Guwahati: The appointment of BJP’s Kuki-Zo MLA Nemcha Kipgen as deputy chief minister on Wednesday drew sharp reactions from major Kuki organisations, including the apex Kuki Zo Council. The groups said the move undermines their longstanding demand for a separate administrative arrangement for the Kuki-Zo people and warned they would not be responsible for any consequences.The Kuki-Zo bodies insist the inclusion of Kipgen represents defiance of a collective mandate sending a clear message to Delhi that without recognition of the Kuki-Zo demand for a union territory with a legislature, participation in Manipur’s govt is not mandated.
“KZC further clarifies that any Kuki-Zo MLA who chooses to disregard the collective decision taken at the Lungthu meeting will be doing so in their individual capacity and KZC shall not be held accountable for the consequences arising from such unilateral decisions,” the council stated.The KZC, the umbrella body of all constituent tribes and organizations, reminded the public of the Lungthu Meeting resolutions adopted in Guwahati on Jan 13 jointly by Suspension of Operations (SoO) groups, the council, and Kuki-Zo MLAs. The resolution declared that participation in Manipur’s government would only be possible if the State and Central governments gave a clear, written assurance on the political demand of the Kuki-Zo people — a separate administration in the form of a Union Territory with a legislature.“Till date, KZC stands unwavering in this decision. The Kuki-Zo people have been forcibly and physically separated by the Meiteis, and therefore have legitimately demanded a separate administration from the Meitei government in the form of a Union Territory with a legislature. Under these circumstances, it is neither logical nor acceptable for the Kuki-Zo people to join a government formed with those from whom we have been violently separated,” it stated.The council also recalled its December Governing Body meeting, which resolved: “In view of the unspeakable atrocities committed against the Kuki-Zo people and the enforced physical separation imposed by the Meiteis, the Kuki-Zo people cannot and shall not participate in the formation of the Government of Manipur.”KZC reiterated that any MLA who disregards this collective decision acts in an individual capacity, and the council will not be held accountable for the consequences. It urged all 10 Kuki-Zo legislators — seven from BJP, two from Kuki People’s Alliance and one independent — to respect the collective will, sentiments, and aspirations of their people.Echoing this line, the Kuki Human Rights Council (KHRC) urged the BJP-led central govt to reconsider its approach, warning that forming a govt in Manipur without addressing the Kuki question would pose a grave threat to tribal democracy.The KHRC stated that the demand for a separate Kuki administration remains unwavering and is the only viable solution to address decades of historical injustice, neglect, and marginalisation faced by the community.
