Archive · 11 Jan 2026
Manipur Ethnic Tensions: Kuki-Zo MLAs Demand Separate Administration
In Manipur, India, 10 leaders from the Kuki-Zo group, including 7 from the BJP, have decided not to join the new state government.
They want their own separate area to be run by the central government because they feel unsafe and mistreated due to recent fighting and violence.
Over 40,000 Kuki-Zo people have been forced to leave their homes, and many places of worship have been destroyed.
The leaders say that until their demands are met, they will not be part of the government.
The central government and other groups have said no to their request for a separate area.
Meanwhile, a Meitei group called Arambai Tenggol wants to live peacefully with the Kuki people but believes that issues like illegal immigration and demographic imbalance need to be addressed for a lasting solution.
They suggest using a system like the NRC to identify illegal immigrants.
10 Kuki-Zo MLAs, including 7 from BJP, refuse to join Manipur government formation.
Demand separate administration (Union Territory with Legislature) due to ethnic violence.
Over 40,000 Kuki-Zo people displaced, homes burnt, and places of worship destroyed.
ITLF and KZC unanimously endorse the decision to stay out of government formation.
Central government and BJP have rejected the demand for separate administration.
Meitei outfit Arambai Tenggol seeks peaceful coexistence but wants to address demographic imbalance, drugs, and illegal immigration.
Arambai Tenggol proposes NRC with a base year to identify illegal immigrants.
- Who
- Kuki-Zo MLAs, Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF), Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), Meitei outfit Arambai Tenggol
- What
- Refusal to join Manipur government formation and demand for separate administration; Meitei outfit's stance on peaceful coexistence and addressing demographic imbalance
- When
- January 10, 2024 (Kuki-Zo MLAs' decision); May 2023 (start of ethnic violence)
- Where
- Manipur, India
- Why
- Demand for separate administration due to ethnic violence and lack of trust in current government; Meitei outfit's concerns over demographic imbalance, drugs, and illegal immigration
- MLAs Involved
- 10
- BJP MLAs
- 7
- Other Party MLAs
- 3
- Displaced People
- Over 40,000
- Demand
- Separate Administration (Union Territory with Legislature)
- Organizations Involved
- Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF), Kuki-Zo Council (KZC)
- Ethnic Violence Start Date
- May 2023
- Government Response
- Rejected demand for separate administration
- Meitei Outfit
- Arambai Tenggol
- Meitei Leader
- Korou Nganba Khuman
- Meitei Stance
- Address demographic imbalance, drugs, and illegal immigration
- Meitei Proposal
- NRC with a base year to identify illegal immigrants
Sources
10 Kuki-Zo MLAs won’t join Manipur govt formation, ITLF reiterates
Want to live in peace with Kukis, but infiltration concerns must be addressed: Arambai Tenggol chief
'Not All Kukis Are Enemies, But Illegal Immigration A Concern': Arambai Tenggol Chief
