In a bold move amid ongoing tensions in Manipur, ten tribal MLAs—including seven from the BJP—have directly appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. They’re pushing for a separate administration or even a full-fledged Union Territory for the Kuki-Zo community to ensure lasting peace.
The group handed over a heartfelt memorandum to PM Modi during his recent visit to Churachandpur district. In it, they urged him to fast-track talks on creating a Union Territory with its own legislature just for the Kuki-Zo tribals. This demand has been a hot topic since ethnic violence erupted in the northeastern state back in May 2023.
The MLAs didn’t hold back in describing the hardships. “You’re well aware of how our people have been completely driven out from Manipur’s valley areas—shamed, attacked, raped, and devastated both physically and mentally,” they wrote. They called it an “unprecedented ethnic persecution,” with alleged involvement from state forces and the majority community targeting their minority group.
Their key message? “We can only live in peace as good neighbors now, never under the same roof again.” They believe this separation would finally bring security, justice, and a true sense of belonging to the Kuki-Zo people, who make up a significant part of Manipur’s tribal population.
Among the signatories are big names like Letpao Haokip, the former Tribal Affairs Minister, and Nemcha Kipgen, who once handled Social Welfare and Cooperation. This isn’t their first push—almost all Kuki-Zo groups, including the influential Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), the community’s top body in Manipur, have been calling for this since the clashes began.
But it’s not all smooth sailing. Union Home Minister Amit Shah and parties like BJP and Congress have repeatedly shot down the idea of a separate administration or Union Territory for the Kuki-Zo tribals in Manipur. The state’s demographics add to the complexity: Meiteis, the majority group at about 53% of Manipur’s 3.65 million people, mostly live in the six Imphal Valley districts. Tribals like the Naga and Kuki-Zo, totaling around 40%, stick to the ten hill districts.
As Manipur’s ethnic strife continues to grab headlines, this appeal to PM Modi highlights the deep divide and the urgent call for solutions in one of India’s most volatile regions.
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