'Reintegration no longer possible,' Kuki insurgent groups in Manipur firm on 'separate administration' demand

Guwahati: Kuki insurgent groups currently under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement in Manipur have told the Centre that "reintegration under the existing state administrative framework is no longer possible," and a "separate political solution" in the form of Union Territory with legislature remians the only solution to the ongoing conflict with the Meiteis.

This was conveyed to the MHA by the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and United People's Front (UPF), two forums of the rebel groups, during their second round of talks with the Centre in New Delhi on Friday.

Discusisons on Friday primarily focused on land-related issues and governance in the hill areas inhabited by Kuki Zo.

"During the discussions, the UPF and KNO informed that tribal land rights in the hill districts of Manipur are historically and customarily vested in tribal village chiefs.

Emphasis was on the traditional practice that this foundational principle of hill governance has been systematically undermined by successive policies of the Manipur Government. It was also stressed that the logical and constitutionally consistent future for the Kuki Zo population is to have its own governance mechanism under a Union Territory with Legislature, which would provide the necessary institutional framework to safeguard their traditional land rights," said a statement jointly issued by KNP and UPF.

The Meitei-dominated Valley and the Kuki-dominated hills have remained physically divided with both the communities avoiding each other's territories since the conflict began in May 2023. More than 260 people have died and over 60,000 others have been displaced.

The state has remained under President's Rule since February this year.

Efforts by the government to find a solution through talks has remained inconclusive as organisations representing both the communities have remained firm on their demands. Meiteis are opposed to the demand of the Kukis and have been demanding a National Register of Citizens to detect "Chin Kuki militants" from neighbouring Myanmar. The Meiteis also demand abrogation of the Suspension of Operations agreement with the Kuki insurgent groups.

The UPF and KNO further said, "the total physical separation of populations since May 2023, the overt weaponisation of state machinery against the tribal citizens and the systematic obliteration from the Imphal Valley are self-evident facts that are on record. These are clear indicators that the Manipur government abdicated its constitutional responsibilities."

"Creation of a Union Territory with a Legislature remains the only constitutional and viable solution for ensuring justice, security, normalcy and lasting peace."

The Centre, however, recently told the UPF and KNO that present government policy does not support creation of new Union Territory.