Guwahati, January 13, 2026: Representatives of Suspension of Operations (SoO) Groups, the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), and Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs) held a crucial meeting in Guwahati on Tuesday, where they unanimously adopted a series of resolutions calling for an expedited political settlement for the Kuki-Zo people.
 |
| File Photo: Rep.Image |
The meeting began with a detailed review of the prevailing political and security situation in the region. Participants referred to the formal political demand submitted in September 2023, and recalled the prolonged ethnic violence and targeted hostility faced by the community for over a year. Serious concern was also expressed over alleged brutalities against the community and claims of active support by state agencies.
The body took note of what it described as an unprecedented de facto demographic and administrative separation that has existed for nearly 32 months, shaping the current political realities on the ground.
Following deliberations, the meeting unanimously resolved to press the Central Government to expedite a political settlement to fulfil the demand for a Union Territory with Legislature, including adequate constitutional safeguards for the protection of land ownership and indigenous rights.
The participants further resolved that the negotiated political settlement under the Constitution must be finalised and signed before the expiry of the normal tenure of the current State Legislative Assembly. Linking the issue to governance in Manipur, the meeting laid down pre-requisites for the reinstallation of an elected government in the State.
According to the resolution, any new State government must provide a written and time-bound commitment to support the negotiated political settlement for a Union Territory with Legislature within the current Assembly tenure. In the absence of such commitment from both the Central and State governments, the meeting resolved to respect the political will of the people by refraining from participation in the formation of an elected government in Manipur.
Setting a clear deadline, the body further resolved that a definitive political solution for the Kuki-Zo people must be achieved before the General Election of 2027.
The resolutions underscore a firm political stance by the participating groups and leaders, signalling that progress towards a constitutional settlement remains central to future political engagement in the State.
