Kuki-Zo Council Warns of Chaos if Lawmakers Join Manipur Government
Kuki-Zo Council warns of potential chaos if Kuki-Zo lawmakers participate in Manipur government.
Photo by Samuel Fu
The chairman of the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) has warned that the inclusion of Kuki-Zo lawmakers in the Manipur government could lead to chaos due to the emotional state of the people following ethnic violence since May 2023. Henlianthang Thanglet, chairman of the KZC, stated that the 10 Kuki-Zo MLAs had initially requested a separate administration. He suggested that President’s Rule should continue for another year.
Thanglet also noted that the free movement of people from the Meitei community on National Highway no. 2 remains affected, and Kuki-Zo people are unable to access Imphal airport. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) extended the suspension of operations (SoO) agreement with Kuki-Zo insurgent groups on September 4, 2025.
Key Facts
Kuki-Zo Council: Warns of chaos if lawmakers join government
Henlianthang Thanglet: Chairman of Kuki-Zo Council
President’s Rule: Suggested to continue for another year
SoO agreement: Extended with Kuki-Zo insurgent groups
UPSC Exam Angles
GS Paper II: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.
GS Paper III: Linkages between Development and Spread of Extremism.
Potential question types: Statement-based questions on ethnic conflicts, constitutional provisions related to autonomy, and government initiatives for conflict resolution.
Visual Insights
Manipur: Ethnic Conflict and Affected Areas
Map showing the location of Manipur, affected National Highway 2, and Imphal airport, highlighting the areas impacted by the Kuki-Zo and Meitei conflict. Also shows approximate locations of Kuki-Zo inhabited areas.
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More Information
Background
The Kuki-Zo ethnic groups have a complex history in Manipur, marked by migrations, settlement patterns, and evolving relationships with the Meitei community. The British colonial administration played a significant role in shaping these dynamics, particularly through policies related to land ownership and administrative boundaries. Post-independence, the integration of Manipur into the Indian Union in 1949 and subsequent statehood in 1972 did not fully address the underlying tensions.
The demand for greater autonomy or separate administration has been a recurring theme, fueled by perceived marginalization and historical grievances. The formation of various Kuki-Zo political and social organizations reflects this ongoing struggle for recognition and self-determination within the larger socio-political landscape of Manipur.
Latest Developments
In recent years, the demand for a separate administration for Kuki-Zo areas in Manipur has gained momentum, particularly following the ethnic clashes that erupted in May 2023. This demand is rooted in a sense of insecurity and a perceived failure of the state government to protect the interests of the Kuki-Zo community. The ongoing dialogue between the central government, the Manipur state government, and Kuki-Zo representatives aims to find a lasting solution that addresses the concerns of all stakeholders.
The extension of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with Kuki-Zo insurgent groups indicates the central government's commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the region. The future trajectory of the conflict hinges on the ability of all parties to engage in constructive dialogue and address the underlying issues of land, identity, and political representation.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement in the context of Manipur: 1. The SoO agreement is a tripartite agreement involving the Central Government, the State Government, and insurgent groups. 2. The primary objective of the SoO agreement is to facilitate dialogue and peaceful resolution of conflicts. 3. All Kuki-Zo insurgent groups are signatories to the SoO agreement. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: A
Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Not all Kuki-Zo insurgent groups are signatories to the SoO agreement; only those who have agreed to abide by its terms are included.
2. Which of the following constitutional provisions provides special provisions for the administration of tribal areas in Manipur?
- A.Article 371A
- B.Article 371B
- C.Article 371C
- D.Article 371D
Show Answer
Answer: C
Article 371C makes special provision with respect to the State of Manipur.
3. Assertion (A): Ethnic conflicts in Manipur have significantly impacted the socio-economic development of the state. Reason (R): Disruption of essential services and displacement of populations due to violence have hindered economic activities and social cohesion. In the context of the above statements, which of the following is correct?
- A.Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
- B.Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
- C.A is true but R is false
- D.A is false but R is true
Show Answer
Answer: A
Both the assertion and the reason are true, and the reason correctly explains why ethnic conflicts impact socio-economic development.