SoO groups take part in deliberations
Source: The Sangai Express

Kangpokpi, May 12 2025: The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) convened a high-level "Leaders' Consultation and Interaction Program" today with the United People's Front (UPF), the Kuki National Organisation (KNO), and representatives from various Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) at LNC Hotel, Kangpokpi District Headquarters renewing its call for urgent political resolution.

The event was held under the theme: "Deliberate on the Status of Political Negotiations and Way Forward for Separate Administration, Key Social Concerns and Cohesion, Inclusive Strategies for Kuki-Zo (Way-Forward)" .

The meeting aimed to foster dialogue and unity within the Kuki-Zo community.

Chief among the agenda items were the ongoing stalled political negotiations with the Centre and charting a course for a "Separate Administration for the Kuki-Zo" .

In addition, the consultation addressed key social concerns, community cohesion, and the formulation of inclusive strategies for the way forward.

Following the keynote address by CoTU chairman Thanglen Kipgen,, Kuki National Organization (KNO) spokesperson Dr Seilen Haokip and United People's Front (UPF) spokesperson Aaron Kipgen addressed key issues surrounding the ongoing conflict between the Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities.

They spoke on the root causes of the conflict, the policies of the Government of Manipur with regard to political dialogue, the urgent need for the resettlement of Kuki-Zo villages destroyed during the conflict, and the immediate resolution of the Kuki-Zo political demand - the creation of a Union Territory with Legislature as modelled under Article 23 9-A of the Constitution.

Other speakers included Thangminlen Kipgen, president of Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills; Hejang Misao, Kuki-Zo social activist; Paojakhup Guite, president of KSO Delhi and Mangboi Haokip, president of Kuki National Assembly (KNA).

They were joined by several other prominent Kuki-Zo leaders, Kuki Inpi representatives, intellectuals, student and tribe organizations representatives.

According to CoTU, the consultation and interaction program represent a crucial step in shaping a more harmonious and effective future for the Kuki-Zo people, highlighting that "this is not just a meeting�it is a message to Delhi that the Kuki-Zo struggle is far from over" .

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