The Kuki-Zo insurgent groups in Manipur have renewed their demand for the creation of a Union Territory (UT) with a Legislative Assembly in areas predominantly inhabited by their community. This demand gained momentum after the ethnic clashes of May 2023 between the Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities, which resulted in over 250 deaths and the displacement of more than 60,000 people.
The Kuki-Zo groups argue that peaceful coexistence with the Meitei community within Manipur has become impossible due to deep-rooted ethnic and political tensions. They are seeking a separate Union Territory that would provide them with administrative autonomy, political representation, and cultural protection. The groups emphasize that such an arrangement is necessary to ensure safety, self-governance, and long-term stability in Kuki-Zo dominated regions.
Two major umbrella organizations represent the Kuki-Zo insurgent groups:
• Kuki National Organisation (KNO)
• United People’s Front (UPF)
Both organizations had signed a Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with the Union and Manipur State governments in 2008. The pact aimed to facilitate peace talks while ceasing hostilities and promoting dialogue toward a constitutional settlement.
The Union Home Ministry (MHA) has firmly rejected the proposal for creating a new Union Territory, describing the demand as “unacceptable.” The Centre maintains that any decision must involve consultations with all ethnic communities and must uphold Manipur’s territorial integrity. The government has reiterated that it supports dialogue within the constitutional framework rather than through territorial division.
Recent meetings held on November 6–7, 2025 focused on implementing the September 4 tripartite agreement between the Centre, State, and SoO groups. Discussions included administrative arrangements in Kuki-Zo dominated districts. During these talks, the SoO groups revived their long-standing political demand for a separate Union Territory, linking it to security and governance concerns in their regions.
The Kuki-Zo groups contend that their territories were not under the jurisdiction of the Manipur State Durbar before India’s Independence in 1947. They argue that their lands were historically governed by traditional tribal chieftainship systems and, therefore, were not an “organic part” of Manipur. This claim is used to justify their demand for administrative separation and recognition of distinct tribal identity.
The Suspension of Operations (SoO) pact was renewed annually until February 2024, when the Manipur government declined to extend it following the outbreak of ethnic violence. Later, in September 2025, the Union government renegotiated the agreement, introducing provisions to ensure a settlement within the Constitution of India. However, the revised pact reaffirmed Manipur’s territorial integrity as non-negotiable.
“Peace is not merely the absence of conflict; it is the presence of justice and understanding.” — Martin Luther King Jr.
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