Kuki-Zo CSOs set preconditions for cessation of hostilities
Crucial Delhi meet lined up on April 5
Source: The Sangai Express

Kangpokpi, April 01 2025: Kuki-Zo leaderships across Sadar Hills, Kangpokpi district, have unanimously declared three non-negotiable preconditions for cessation of hostilities ahead of the crucial April 5 meeting between Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities set by the Union Home Ministry.

Kuki-Zo CSOs set preconditions for cessation of hostilities

The three preconditions for cessation of hostilities include--
1) No cross movement: There shall be no movement of Meitei individuals in Kuki-Zo-dominated areas and vice versa
2) Initiation of dialogue: Meaningful and structured dialogue must commence during the cessation of hostility
3) 6-month ceasefire period: The cessation of hostilities shall be observed for a period of six months

Significantly the call of Union Home Minister Amit Shah to ensure free movement of people on all roads of Manipur was fiercely opposed by the Kuki-ZO-Chin community when it thwarted the attempt of the security forces to escort a bus on the Imphal to Senapti route on March 8 .

One person who shot dead while others were injured in the stand off between the protestors and the security personnel on National Highway 2 on the said date, reports our Staff Reporter .

This declaration was made today during a consultation meeting held at the KBC Centre Church Hall, Kangpokpi District Headquarters, in the presence of members of Kuki-Zo Council, an apex body representing the Kuki-Zo people.

The consultation meet was organised by the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), Sadar Hills Kangpokpi district.

It witnessed the participation of prominent leaders from various Kuki-Zo civil society organizations, including the Kuki-Zo Council, Sadar Hills Chiefs' Association, Kuki Inpi, student bodies, women's organizations, and tribal representatives.

Intellectuals, social activists, and other influential figures also contributed to the discussions.

The declaration of the preconditions for cessation of hostilities came ahead of the Ministry of Home Affairs' scheduled talk between the Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities on April 5 in Delhi.

All eyes are now on the April 5 meeting, where the Ministry of Home Affairs is expected to facilitate negotiations that could shape the trajectory of inter-community relations in Manipur.

Meanwhile, the Kuki-Zo leadership has drawn a "firm line", asserting that cessation of hostility can only be achieved if their conditions are met, further said sources who are in the know of the latest developments.