Manipur's Kuki body bars MLAs from forming new state government

In a major political statement, several influential Kuki-Zo civil and community organisations have passed a resolution barring all Kuki-Zo Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) from participating in the formation of any new government in Manipur, whenever it is formed.

This comes amid tensions in the northeastern state. The state has been under President's Rule since February 13 this year, with the Centre setting a target of December 2025 for the complete resettlement of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

The resolution was adopted at a joint meeting held on Thursday at the Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) Secretariat in Bijang, Churachandpur.

The session was attended by top representatives from Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), its federating bodies such as the Kuki Students' Organisation-General Headquarters (KSO-GHQ), Kuki Khanglai Lawmpi-GHQ, Kuki Christian Leaders' Forum (KCLF), Kuki Women’s Union-GHQ, Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights-GHQ, Kuki Chiefs’ Association-Manipur (KCA-M), along with heads of departments and district units.

Following detailed deliberations, the gathering unanimously decided that no Kuki-Zo MLA shall "participate or take part in any manner in the formation of a new popular government in the state of Manipur".

The resolution declared that the Kuki-Zo people would not compromise on their ancestral land, identity, culture, or political and economic rights.

The joint statement described the decision as reflective of the "collective political will and aspiration of the Kuki-Zo people" and stated that it is binding on all representatives and community organisations. It also urged strict adherence to the resolution "in letter and spirit".

The announcement comes at a time when ten Kuki-Zo MLAs, including seven from the BJP, have been advocating for a separate administration, calling for Union Territory status amid the ethnic violence that broke out on May 3, 2023. The conflict has led to over 250 deaths and the displacement of more than 60,000 people.

Meanwhile, the state has witnessed repeated incidents of arms looting. Over 6,000 weapons were reportedly stolen from government armories since the unrest began.

Authorities have launched a series of crackdowns to recover illegal weapons. On February 27, 307 weapons were recovered, including 246 deposited by the Meitei group Arambai Tengol. Another operation on June 14 led to the seizure of 328 weapons and 10,600 rounds of ammunition. The most recent crackdown occurred on July 4, when 203 firearms were recovered across multiple districts in one of the largest single-day recoveries in Manipur's history.

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