Kuki-Zo groups hold rallies in Manipur’s Churachandpur demanding Union Territory status
Imphal: Hundreds of Kuki-Zo people took out rallies at different locations in Manipur’s Churachandpur district headquarters, carrying banners reading “We want Union Territory” and “Political solution is our right,” on Wednesday.
The rallies, organised by the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), began from two locations—Sielmat Ground and Koite Ground—and concluded at Peace Ground in Churachandpur, reports said.
The rallies were held a day after the Kuki-Zo Leadership Meet in Guwahati on Tuesday, where participants reiterated their demand for a political settlement before 2027.
The meeting also resolved that no new government formation would be acceptable unless it provides a written, time-bound commitment explicitly supporting a negotiated settlement for a Union Territory with a legislature.
The meeting, attended by five Kuki-Zo MLAs—Haokholet Kipgen (Saitu), Nemcha Kipgen (Kangpokpi), Letzamang Haokip (Henglep), Paolienlal Haokip (Saikot), and Chinlungthang (Singhat)—was held amid reports that the Centre has hinted at the reinstallation of a new government in the President’s Rule–imposed state. The Manipur Assembly has remained under suspended animation since February 13, 2025, and a new government is likely to be formed before February 14, 2026.
Five Kuki-Zo MLAs who were absent from the meeting included LM Khaute (Churachandpur), Vungzagin Valte (Thanlon), Kimneo Hangshing (Saikul), Ngursanglur Sanate (Tipaimukh), and Letpao Haokip (Tengnoupal). Of the 10 Kuki-Zo MLAs, seven belong to the BJP—Nemcha Kipgen, LM Khaute, Paolienlal Haokip, Letpao Haokip, Ngursanglur Sanate, Vungzagin Valte, and Letzamang Haokip.
Meanwhile, the Centre has recently rejected the demand for a “separate administration” in the form of a Union Territory comprising Kuki-dominated areas of Manipur.