Churachandpur, January 12, 2026: The Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum (ITLF) has announced a peaceful public rally to be held on January 14, 2026, urging the Government of India to expedite a political settlement for the Kuki-Zo people. The organisation said the rally aims to reaffirm the community's demand for a separate political arrangement and its continued decision not to participate in the formation of the Manipur Government until a lasting political resolution is achieved.
In a rally notification issued on Monday, the ITLF stated that the programme comes at a crucial time, with President's Rule in Manipur scheduled to end in February 2026. According to the organisation, the Kuki-Zo community continues to face uncertainty following the ethnic violence that erupted in the state, resulting in widespread loss of lives, destruction of homes and places of worship, and the displacement of more than 40,000 people.
The ITLF said that under the prevailing circumstances, the Kuki-Zo people cannot continue under the existing administrative arrangement in Manipur. It reiterated its long-standing political demand for the creation of a Union Territory with Legislature, which has been submitted to the Government of India as a means of ensuring lasting peace, security, and constitutional safeguards for the community.
The organisation further asserted that participation in the formation of a new Manipur Government without a comprehensive political settlement would not be acceptable, maintaining that the concerns and aspirations of the Kuki-Zo people must first be addressed through meaningful dialogue and constitutional measures.
According to the notification, the rally will be organised under the banner of the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) and will commence at 11:00 a.m. Participants will assemble at Sielmat Ground and Koite Ground before proceeding in a peaceful procession to Peace Ground, where community leaders are expected to address the gathering on the political situation and the community's future course of action.
The ITLF has appealed to all sections of society—including tribal elders, community leaders, students, women, youth organisations, and civil society groups—to participate in large numbers to demonstrate unity and solidarity. The organisation emphasised that the rally will remain peaceful and disciplined.
To facilitate the event, the ITLF has requested schools and educational institutions to remain closed on January 14. Shop owners along the rally route have also been urged to keep their establishments closed between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., while suppliers of drinking water have been requested to assist in providing water to participants throughout the programme.
The forum expressed hope that the peaceful demonstration would send a strong message regarding the Kuki-Zo community's aspirations and encourage the Government of India to expedite a political solution that ensures lasting peace and stability in the region.
