Imphal: Hundreds of students from the Kuki-Zo community on Wednesday took to the streets of Churachandpur district headquarters, demanding a direct political solution—specifically a Union Territory with a legislature—before participating in any state government formation in Manipur.
The rally was jointly organised by the Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO), Hmar Students’ Association (HSA), and Zomi Students’ Federation (ZSF). The procession converged at Tuibong Peace Ground in Churachandpur, where the students adopted a resolution reiterating their demand.
The resolution, titled “We want a political solution, not a popular government,” echoed the slogans displayed on banners and placards carried by the demonstrators.
The protest followed indications that the Centre may allow the formation of a popular government in Manipur, which has been under President’s Rule since February 13, 2025, with the state assembly kept under suspended animation. According to sources, central leaders have reportedly directed Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLAs in the state to elect their senior-most leader as chief minister to facilitate the formation of a new government.
Kuki-Zo community leaders and MLAs have consistently maintained that they will not participate in any government formation without a direct political settlement, citing the breakdown of coexistence with the Meitei community following the ethnic violence. They have resolved to stay out of any government arrangement and insist on a separate administration or Union Territory status ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections.
There are 10 Kuki-Zo MLAs in the 60-member Manipur Legislative Assembly, including seven from the BJP, one from the Kuki People’s Alliance, and others. These legislators have been pressing for a separate administrative arrangement since ethnic clashes erupted in the state.
Manipur was placed under President’s Rule on February 13, 2025, following the resignation of former chief minister N Biren Singh on February 9. The BJP currently has 37 legislators in the Assembly, whose effective strength stands at 59 due to one vacancy.
Ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities, which began on May 3, 2023, has claimed over 260 lives so far and displaced nearly 60,000 people.