7 months ago
Kuki-Zo Groups Rally for Union Territory
Some groups in Manipur, called Kuki-Zo, want their own special area called a Union Territory.
They had a big meeting and a large rally to ask the government to give them this special area.
They want the government to promise to give them this area before the current government's term ends in 2027.
Many Kuki-Zo people are displaced because of violence, and they want a peaceful solution.
They are planning more rallies to ask the government to make this happen quickly.
The groups have been talking to the government and say they won't join any new government until they get a clear promise about the Union Territory.
Kuki-Zo groups demand a separate Union Territory with legislature for Kuki-Zo-majority areas in Manipur.
They will only participate in the government if the central and state governments commit to this in writing.
The demand must be finalized and signed before the current Assembly term ends in 2027.
Over 40,000 Kuki-Zo people are displaced due to violence and destruction.
A mass rally was held in Churachandpur, with thousands of people participating, to press for an early and lasting political solution.
- Who
- Kuki-Zo insurgent groups, MLAs, and the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC)
- What
- Demand for a separate Union Territory with legislature for Kuki-Zo-majority areas in Manipur
- Where
- Meeting in Guwahati, rally in Kuki-Zo majority districts including Churachandpur, Tamenglong, Kangpokpi, and Chandel
- When
- Meeting held on Tuesday, rally on Wednesday, January 14, 2024
- Why
- To secure a political solution and address ongoing ethnic conflict and displacement
Key facts
- Demand
- Union Territory with legislature for Kuki-Zo-majority areas
- Meeting Location
- Guwahati
- Current Assembly Tenure
- Ends in 2027
- Displaced People
- Over 40,000 Kuki-Zo people
- President's Rule
- Since February 13, 2024
- Kuki-Zo MLAs
- 10 total, 7 from BJP
- Rally Date
- Wednesday, January 14, 2024
- Rally Locations
- Rengkai Community Hall, Koite Playground, Sielmat Playground, Peace Ground at Tuibong
- Organizers
- Kuki Zo Council (KZC), Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF)
Timeline
India snubs Kuki-Zo's UT demand in Sept '25 pact.
Then, Kuki-Zo renew, strengthen demand in Nov.
Govt rejects demand again in Nov; Kuki-Zo persist.
Insurgent groups renew, reinforce demand in Dec meet.
Kuki-Zo threaten boycott until UT demand met.
Quotes
Kuki-Zo Council (KZC)
A leading organisation representing Kuki-Zo communities
“formally place before the government of India our legitimate and constitutional demand for a separate administration in the form of a Union Territory with legislature under article 239A of the Indian Constitution”
telegraphindia.com
“The Kuki-Zo population has been forcibly driven out of the Imphal Valley, resulting in a complete physical, administrative, and psychological separation between the Kuki-Zo and Meitei peoples”
telegraphindia.com
Sources
Manipur’s Kuki-Zo insurgent groups, MLAs say they will participate in elected govt only if…
Kuki Zo rally presses Union Territory demand as talks intensify in Manipur amid unrest
Manipur: Kuki-Zo Groups Demand Written Commitment For Separate UT
Kuki-Zo Groups Seek Written UT Commitment to Support Manipur Govt
Thousands rally in Churachandpur as Kuki-Zo groups press for UT with Legislature
Kuki Zo community rallies in Manipur demanding Union Territory
Kuki-Zo Council seeks expedited Centre talks for UT with legislature amid conflict
