Kuki groups reaffirm demand for Union Territory, SoO pact extended

Guwahati: The Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and the United People’s Front (UPF) have said they will continue to pursue the demand for a Union Territory with legislature for the Kuki-Zo people within the Constitution of India. The announcement came even as the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement between Kuki militant groups and the government was extended for one more year on Thursday.

The decision followed a tripartite meeting involving the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the Manipur government, and leaders of the KNO and UPF. The two umbrella groups, which together represent 23 underground outfits, first signed the SoO in 2008. At present, over 2,200 cadres live in designated camps in Manipur’s hill districts.

Agreement and political dialogue
In a statement, KNO and UPF said, “In a significant step toward restoring peace and political stability, the Government of India, the Government of Manipur, and the KNO and UPF have reaffirmed their commitment to a structured and time-bound tripartite dialogue. This dialogue shall follow the recently renewed Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement and aims to pave the way for a negotiated political settlement under the Constitution of India.”

The groups also underlined that any change to state boundaries must be carried out through Parliament under Articles 1, 3, and 368 of the Constitution, and not through executive or judicial measures.

Highway issue clarified
The organisations clarified that the Kuki-Zo community did not close the Imphal-Dimapur highway (NH-2) passing through Kangpokpi district. According to them, the Kuki-Zo Council’s appeal was limited to facilitating safe passage of essential goods in cooperation with central security forces. “KNO and UPF reiterated that this gesture must not be misinterpreted as an endorsement of unrestricted movement across buffer zones between Meitei and Kuki-Zo areas. The sanctity of these zones remains paramount, and the responsibility for securing the highway lies with the Government of India and its deployed force,” they said.

Ethnic divide continues
The buffer zone issue remains contested, with Kukis recognising it as necessary after last year’s clashes, while Meiteis reject the idea. Since the outbreak of violence on May 3, 2023, more than 260 people have been killed, over 1,500 injured, and about 70,000 displaced. The clashes followed a “Tribal Solidarity March” opposing the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe status.

Ten Kuki-Zo MLAs, including seven from the BJP, along with key tribal bodies, have been boycotting the assembly since then. Manipur has remained under President’s Rule since February 13 this year.