NEW DELHI, November 8, 2025: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) concluded a crucial two-day dialogue with representatives of the Kuki-Zo armed groups, operating under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement, in New Delhi this week. While the talks were described as "constructive," the central government reiterated its stance against creating a new Union Territory (UT) with a legislature for the Kuki-Zo community, setting the stage for continued political negotiations amidst the ongoing ethnic crisis in Manipur.
The discussions, held on November 6 and 7, involved delegations from the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and the United People’s Front (UPF), and were led on the government side by A.K. Mishra, Advisor (North East), MHA.
Core Demand Met with Policy Constraint
The primary agenda item was the Kuki-Zo community's core political demand for the establishment of a Union Territory with its own legislative assembly. Representatives of the KNO and UPF passionately argued that "coexistence under the present Manipur state administrative structure is no longer possible" following the sustained ethnic conflict, asserting that their demand is constitutionally and historically justified. They referenced the distinct historical administration of the Kuki-Zo hills before India's Independence.
In response, MHA officials acknowledged the deep concerns of the Kuki-Zo people. However, they clarified that the current government policy does not favour the creation of new Union Territories and stressed that any form of administrative restructuring would require extensive consultation with all communities in Manipur, including the Meitei people, to ensure lasting peace and stability.
Focus on Ground Issues and Dialogue
Beyond the political demand, the talks also addressed immediate humanitarian and security concerns. Discussions covered:
• Land and Forest Rights: Seeking MHA intervention to protect community ownership and streamline land registration processes.
• IDP Rehabilitation: Urging the government to expedite adequate security, housing, and amenities for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
• Implementation Review: The first day of talks reviewed the implementation of the September 4 tripartite agreement signed between the MHA, the Government of Manipur, and the SoO groups.
Both the Centre and the Kuki-Zo leadership agreed to maintain open channels of dialogue and pursue further confidence-building measures as part of the continuous peace process, signaling a commitment to a negotiated solution despite the political hurdle. The MHA’s firm policy statement underscores the complexity of finding a solution that balances the aspirations of the Kuki-Zo community with the need to maintain peace across the wider state.
