Imphal : The Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF), an apex body representing tribal communities in Manipur, on Saturday reiterated that the ten MLAs from the Kuki-Zo community will not participate in the formation of the state government, reaffirming their long-standing demand for a separate administrative arrangement.

In a joint statement, ITLF Chairman Letpu Haokip and General Secretary Thangsuolien Sinate said the organisation’s position remained unchanged, stressing that Kuki-Zo legislators would continue to stay away from any government formation process until their core political demands are addressed.

“Any deviation shall be viewed as a betrayal of the collective will and sacrifices of the Kuki-Zo people,” the statement said. The leaders recalled that following the outbreak of ethnic violence in Manipur in May 2023, and what they described as the failure of the state government to protect the Kuki-Zo community, all ten MLAs from the community had sought a separate administration from the Union of India. “This position stands firm,” the ITLF asserted.

Of the ten Kuki-Zo legislators in the Manipur Assembly, seven belong to the Bharatiya Janata Party, while the remaining three represent smaller regional parties. The ITLF said its stand was unanimously endorsed at a meeting held on Friday, which backed a resolution earlier adopted by the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) governing council that the community “cannot and shall not” join the formation of the Manipur government under the prevailing circumstances.

The joint statement detailed what it described as widespread atrocities against the Kuki-Zo people since the violence began, alleging that members of the community were subjected to killings, public humiliation, and forced displacement from Meitei-dominated areas of the Imphal Valley.

It claimed that thousands of houses and places of worship were burnt or desecrated, and that more than 40,000 people remain internally displaced, having lost homes, land, and livelihoods.

“The violent separation and forced displacement of the Kuki-Zo people from Meitei-dominated areas have irreversibly broken trust and coexistence,” the ITLF said. “Under such conditions, continuing within the present Manipur administrative framework is untenable. Hence, the demand for a separate administration is a constitutional and political necessity.”

The apex tribal body said the Kuki-Zo people have formally placed before the Centre their demand for a Union Territory with a legislature. “After seeking this political solution, there is no logic in joining the Manipur government,” the statement added.

Earlier this week, the Kuki-Zo Council, another apex body of the community, had also announced that it would not participate in the formation of the state government under any circumstances.

In a separate joint statement, KZC Chairman Henlianthang Thanglet and General Secretary Thangzamang said the decision followed a comprehensive assessment of the political, social, and security situation in Manipur and reflected the collective will of the Kuki-Zo people.

The KZC further warned that if any individual chose to take part in the formation of the Manipur government, it would be solely a personal decision, for which the council would not be held accountable.

The demand for a separate administration or Union Territory with a legislature, however, has been repeatedly rejected by the Central government, the BJP, and several Meitei civil society groups, keeping the political impasse in Manipur unresolved.

Promotional | North East Integration Rally