Kuki-Zo Groups Agree to Join Manipur Government with Conditions

Kuki-Zo groups agree to join Manipur government if demands are met.

Photo by WAIKHOM JAMES

Kuki-Zo tribal groups have agreed to join the Manipur government, contingent upon the Union and State governments providing a written commitment to support a negotiated political settlement for a Union Territory with legislature under the Constitution. This commitment must be executed within the current Assembly tenure, ending in February 2027. The decision marks the first time the tribal bodies have agreed to join the State government since ethnic violence erupted on May 3, 2023.

Manipur has been under President’s Rule since February 13, 2025, with the 60-member Assembly under suspended animation. The participation of 10 Kuki-Zo MLAs, including seven from the BJP, is crucial for restoring an elected government.

Key Facts

Kuki-Zo groups agree to join Manipur govt. with conditions

Demand: Union Territory with legislature

Commitment needed by February 2027

Manipur under President's Rule since February 13, 2025

UPSC Exam Angles

GS Paper II: Polity and Governance - Issues related to federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein.

GS Paper III: Internal Security - Linkages between development and spread of extremism.

Potential questions on constitutional provisions related to tribal areas, role of Governor, and Centre-State relations.

Visual Insights

Manipur: Ethnic Divisions and Proposed Union Territory

Map highlighting the location of Manipur and the Kuki-Zo dominated areas, indicating the potential region for the proposed Union Territory. Shows the ethnic divisions contributing to the conflict.

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📍Manipur📍Kuki-Zo Dominated Areas (Estimated)

More Information

Background

The roots of ethnic tensions in Manipur can be traced back to the integration of the princely state of Manipur into India in 1949. The merger agreement and subsequent policies led to anxieties among various ethnic groups regarding land rights, cultural identity, and political representation. The historical classification of communities as 'tribal' and 'non-tribal' further exacerbated these divisions, creating distinct socio-economic and political landscapes.

The demand for greater autonomy and self-determination among tribal groups has been a recurring theme, often manifesting in movements for separate administrative units or statehood. The Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, designed to protect tribal rights and promote self-governance in certain areas, has been a point of contention, with some groups advocating for its extension to Manipur.

Latest Developments

In recent years, the demand for a separate administration by Kuki-Zo groups has gained momentum, fueled by perceived discrimination and inadequate representation in the state government. The ongoing ethnic tensions have led to displacement, loss of life, and a breakdown of social cohesion. The central government has been actively involved in mediating between the conflicting parties, seeking to find a lasting political solution that addresses the concerns of all stakeholders.

The appointment of a peace interlocutor and the deployment of central forces are part of these efforts. The future outlook hinges on the ability of the Union and State governments to build trust, ensure equitable development, and address the underlying grievances that have fueled the conflict.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution: 1. It provides for the administration of tribal areas in the states of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram. 2. The Governor of each state has discretionary powers over legislations passed by Autonomous District Councils (ADCs). 3. Parliament can amend or repeal laws made by ADCs. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 and 2 only
B.1 and 3 only
C.2 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: A

Statement 1 is correct as the Sixth Schedule deals with the administration of tribal areas in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram. Statement 2 is correct as the Governor has discretionary powers over legislations passed by ADCs. Statement 3 is incorrect as Parliament does not have the power to directly amend or repeal laws made by ADCs; the state legislature has this power.

2. Which of the following statements accurately describes the constitutional status of Manipur? A) It is a Union Territory directly administered by the President of India. B) It is a state with special provisions under Article 371A of the Constitution. C) It is a state with special provisions under Article 371C of the Constitution. D) It is a state governed by the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.

Show Answer

Answer: C

Manipur is a state with special provisions under Article 371C of the Constitution, which pertains to the Hill Areas Committee of the Legislative Assembly.

3. Assertion (A): Ethnic conflicts in Manipur often revolve around land ownership and resource control. Reason (R): The existing land laws and historical land distribution patterns favor certain communities, leading to grievances among others. In the context of the above, 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 in Manipur often revolve around land ownership and resource control.

Part of Story Threads

Manipur Government Formation Crisis - January 2026

Political crisis in Manipur in January 2026 involving government formation, potential imposition of President's Rule, and negotiations with Kuki-Zo groups.