Photo Courtesy: nenews
Imphal: Kuki organisations, including the Kuki Students Organisation of Delhi and NCR, are pressuring the central government to establish a separate administration for the Kuki-Zo community. During a press conference in New Delhi, representatives argued that a constitutional settlement is essential to address decades of political marginalisation and the ongoing ethnic crisis in Manipur.
The groups highlighted the need for stricter enforcement of Article 371C and the restoration of powers to the Hill Areas Committee. They alleged that the administrative authority for various hill regions has been inappropriately shifted to valley-based institutions, effectively weakening existing tribal safeguards. To reach a durable resolution, they urged the Centre to accelerate dialogue with Kuki-Zo groups operating under the Suspension of Operations agreement.
The organisations addressed the severe impact of the conflict that began in May 2023, noting that tens of thousands of people remain displaced. They reported that thousands of homes and over 200 churches have been destroyed. Citing recent unrest in Ukhrul and Kamjong districts, the groups called for urgent security interventions and impartial, time-bound investigations into violence against their community.
Specific concerns were raised regarding the May 13 killing of three Thadou-Kuki church leaders, for which no arrests have been made. The groups also appealed to federal agencies to secure the release of 14 individuals allegedly detained by Naga groups in Senapati district. Furthermore, they reiterated a historical demand for a formal inquiry into the 1992-93 violence involving the NSCN-IM, stating that many families continue to wait for justice and rehabilitation.
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