Archive · 9 Nov 2025
Centre Rejects New Union Territory Demand Amid Manipur Crisis
Leaders from a specific tribal community in Manipur, called Kuki-Zo, met with the Indian government to ask for their own separate territory with its own government.
They feel they can't live together with other communities in Manipur anymore because of recent fighting.
They presented historical reasons for why they think they should have their own territory.
However, the government said that making new territories is not something they do right now according to their rules.
The government also said they need to talk to all the different groups in Manipur before making any big decisions.
The meeting also talked about problems faced by tribal people, like safety, having a place to live, and managing their lands.
Both sides agreed to keep talking to find a solution to the problems in Manipur.
The Centre has ruled out the creation of a new Union Territory despite demands from Kuki-Zo groups in Manipur.
A two-day meeting was held in New Delhi between the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and Kuki-Zo umbrella groups (KNO and UPF).
Kuki-Zo groups reiterated their demand for a Union Territory with a legislative assembly, citing the impossibility of coexistence after ethnic violence.
The MHA stated that the Centre's current policy does not support creating new Union Territories and requires wider consultations.
Discussions also covered tribal grievances, governance, security, rehabilitation, land rights, and the implementation of a prior tripartite agreement.
- Who
- Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Kuki National Organisation (KNO), and United People’s Front (UPF).
- What
- The MHA met with Kuki-Zo umbrella groups to discuss their demand for a new Union Territory, tribal grievances, and rehabilitation. The Centre ruled out the creation of a new UT based on current policy.
- When
- The two-day meeting was held on November 6 and 7, 2025. The ethnic violence in Manipur began on May 3, 2023. Next round of talks expected in coming weeks.
- Where
- New Delhi for the meeting; Manipur for the ongoing ethnic crisis and tribal areas.
- Why
- To address the Kuki-Zo demand for a separate Union Territory amidst ongoing ethnic turmoil in Manipur and to discuss tribal grievances, governance, security, and rehabilitation.
Kuki-Zo Groups
Central Government
Creation of a New Union Territory
Kuki-Zo Groups
The Kuki-Zo groups demand a Union Territory with a legislative assembly, stating that coexistence within the Manipur state administrative setup is no longer possible after the ethnic violence. They argue for the restoration of pre-independence autonomy within India's constitutional framework.
Central Government
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has stated that the Centre's current policy does not support the creation of new Union Territories and emphasized the need for wider consultations with other communities in Manipur.
Administrative and Governance Mechanisms
Kuki-Zo Groups
Emphasize the urgent need to establish effective administrative mechanisms in Kuki-Zo inhabited districts and stress the importance of restoring pre-independence autonomy.
Central Government
Discussions focused on grievances of the tribals, governance, security, and rehabilitation, including implementing a tripartite agreement. The MHA indicated that policy creation for a new UT was dismissed.
Historical Justification for Demand
Kuki-Zo Groups
Presented historical and constitutional justifications, including that Kuki-Zo Hills were 'Excluded Areas' administered separately before Independence and their unfair absorption into a valley-centric system post-merger.
Central Government
The MHA did not directly refute historical claims but focused on current policy and the need for broader consultation, ruling out the creation of a new UT.
- Meeting Participants
- Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Kuki National Organisation (KNO), United People’s Front (UPF).
- Meeting Dates
- November 6-7, 2025
- Meeting Location
- New Delhi
- Kuki-Zo Demand
- Creation of a new Union Territory with a legislative assembly.
- Centre's Stance
- Current policy does not support the creation of new Union Territories; need for wider consultations.
- Key Discussion Points
- Tribal grievances, governance, security, rehabilitation, tribal land rights, forest management, traditional chiefs' authority, and implementing a tripartite agreement.
- Manipur Ethnic Crisis Start Date
- May 3, 2023
Sources
MHA virtually rejects demand for Union Territories for Kuki-Zo tribals in Manipur
Northeast Christian groups seek Centre’s urgent intervention to end Manipur crisis
Kuki-Zo groups press for Union territory with Assembly in fresh talks with home ministry
Manipur: Kuki-Zo groups renew demand for separate UT, Centre says not possible under current policy
Manipur To Get New Government Soon? What Sources Tell News18 Amid President’s Rule
