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Kuki-Zo Leaders Hold Off on Joining Manipur Government, Reaffirm Union Territory Demand

New statements tie any participation to clear progress from the Centre on a separate Union Territory with a legislature.

Overview

  • Kuki MLAs Chinlunthang and Haokholet Haokip said reports of a decision to join a popular government are incorrect and noted that not all Kuki-Zo legislators attended the Guwahati meeting.
  • Suspension of Operations signatories Kuki National Organisation and United Peoples' Front said the Guwahati discussions produced no binding decision and any future participation depends on movement toward a Union Territory goal.
  • A joint declaration by Kuki-Zo groups reaffirmed the push for a Union Territory with a legislature for areas where the community forms a majority.
  • BJP leaders B L Santhosh and Sambit Patra met MLAs in Manipur last week, including a separate interaction with Kuki-Zo lawmakers, as earlier talks reportedly signaled the Centre’s policy does not support creating new Union Territories.
  • Manipur remains under President’s Rule with the assembly in suspended animation, and Kuki-Zo legislators hold 10 of 60 seats, including seven from the BJP, underscoring their leverage in any government formation.