‘A separate Union Territory for Kuki-Zo people is a must’: Ginza Vualzong

Ginza Vualzong is the spokesperson of the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) and the Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum (ITLF). He tells DH’s Sumir Karmakar about the community’s expectations from the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Manipur.

Excerpts:

The Kuki-Zo community has endured untold suffering at the hands of the majority Meitei. Our people have been killed, our homes destroyed, and our lands plundered, thousands displaced. The displaced have been forced to live in relief camps under the shadow of uncertainty and despair.

The violence and discrimination we have experienced have left us with a painful realisation: coexistence under the present arrangement has become impossible.

It is in this context that the Kuki-Zo people have placed their hope in a new political future. We firmly believe that separation from the Meitei is the only viable solution to ensure our survival, security, and dignity.

That is why we have consistently demanded a separate administration in the form of a Union Territory under Article 239A of the Indian Constitution. Such an arrangement would provide the Kuki-Zo people with self-governance, protection of our rights, and the opportunity to build our own future in peace.

The recent decision of the Government of India to extend the Suspension of Operations (SoO) Agreement with the commitment to pursue a political settlement in a time-bound manner has renewed our hopes. This landmark step acknowledges both the legitimacy of our grievances and the urgency of resolving them. As the prime minister is visiting Manipur, we trust that the Government of India will take decisive steps to fulfil its commitment to our people.

The way forward is clear: the aspirations of the Kuki-Zo must be respected, and the long-overdue political settlement must culminate in the creation of a separate administration. Only then can justice be restored, and peace be established in our homeland. Our journey has been one of resilience and sacrifice, and with determination and faith, we believe that our aspiration will finally materialise.