Guwahati: The Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) has urged the Centre to expedite the political process for granting Union Territory status with a legislature to the Kuki-Zo people, saying the prolonged ethnic conflict has led to a breakdown of governance and trust in Manipur.
In a counter-representation to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the KIM rejected allegations recently made against the Kuki-Zo community and Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen by a group of Naga legislators. It termed the allegations unfounded and warned that heightened rhetoric could further strain the security situation in the state.
The Kuki body alleged that Kuki-Zo civilians in mixed and border areas had faced road blockades, harassment and isolation since the ethnic conflict began in May 2023.
It said violence involving Naga communities intensified following incidents in Gampal and Haijang in April 2025, as well as an altercation at Litan-Sareikhong in Ukhrul.
The KIM claimed that violence on February 8 and 9, 2026, resulted in 23 Kuki-Zo villages being burnt or destroyed and 18 Kuki-Zo civilians being killed. These claims could not be independently verified from the representation.
The organisation also rejected allegations against the deputy chief minister, arguing that accusing a constitutional authority of collusion without evidence, due process or a judicial finding was improper. It said elected representatives should not be held criminally responsible for actions allegedly committed by non-state actors.
The KIM opposed the demand by Naga legislators for the immediate abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with Kuki armed groups. It described the SoO framework as an established mechanism for maintaining ceasefire protocols and facilitating political negotiations.
Dismantling the framework could undermine existing channels for dialogue and a negotiated resolution, the organisation said. It called for independent and transparent investigations by central agencies into incidents of violence, ambushes and killings, with those responsible brought to justice through due process.
The KIM also urged elected representatives to favour dialogue and de-escalation over unilateral allegations, saying such statements could further deepen mistrust between communities.
The organisation said continued hostilities and the breakdown of trust had demonstrated that the Kuki-Zo and other communities could no longer peacefully coexist under a single State administration.
It therefore urged the Centre to provide what it described as a “structural solution” by expediting the political process for a Union Territory with a legislature for the Kuki-Zo people.
According to the KIM, such an arrangement would provide security, dignity and self-governance to the Kuki-Zo community.