Kuki-Zo leaders cite two core reasons for rejecting Delhi agreement
Source: The Sangai Express

Kangpokpi, April 10 2025: Kuki-Zo leaders who took part in the tripartite talks held at Delhi on April 5 have cited two core reasons for rejecting the Delhi agreement.

The two core reasons cited by the Kuki-Zo leaders are unacceptability of the terms of the agreement and alleged lack of genuine representation (of the Meitei community) .

The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) organised a public reception for the Kuki-Zo delegates at the KBC Hall in Kangpokpi district headquarters today.

The event was graced by a host of tribal leaders including those from Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills, Thadou Inpi, various tribe-based organizations, student bodies, and women's groups.

Kuki-Zo leaders cite two core reasons for rejecting Delhi agreement

During the reception, the Kuki-Zo leaders who participated in the Delhi dialogue briefed the community on the proceedings.

They emphasized that while the talks were constructive, they chose not to sign any agreement at this juncture.

The decision, they clarified, stemmed from a need to ensure that the final terms fully reflect the rightful demands and secure future of the Kuki-Zo people.

"We are not here with an agreement, but with a message-that we will not compromise our people's future for the sake of a hurried solution," one of the leaders declared.

Addressing the media after the reception, the chairman of the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) rejected the six-point proposal set forth by the Government, stating that the terms were unacceptable and constituted the primary reason for their decision to refrain from signing the proposed agreement.

The Chairman highlighted a critical flaw in the Delhi talks: the lack of genuine representation.

"The Meitei civil society organisations, AMUCO and FOCS, involved in the talks do not hold a mandate from their community and cannot be considered legitimate representatives.

This is the second key reason we declined to sign the agreement," he asserted.

The KZC leader further clarified that it was, in fact, the Kuki-Zo Council that initially proposed a cessation of hostilities�a proposal the Govt accepted by inviting both communities for talks in Delhi.

However, the first joint meeting between the Kuki-Zo and Meitei representatives quickly turned emotional, exposing the deep-rooted wounds between the communities.

"When such high-level engagements are planned, the Government must first hold separate consultations with each of the warring communities," the chairman stressed.

"Only after a breakthrough is achieved at the individual level should a joint dialogue be facilitated," he said.

He reiterated a strong appeal to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to engage with both the Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities separately, but strictly through mandated representatives to ensure any future talk is meaningful and legitimate.

The chairman also expressed concern over the lack of clarity regarding the next round of talks.

"We were informed that no further joint meetings will be initiated.

If we are not invited or consulted, how are we expected to participate?" he questioned.

He also called for a more thoughtful, structured, and respectful approach�one that acknowledges the complexity of the conflict and respects the voices of legitimate stakeholders.

The six-point proposal set by the Government includes:

1.An appeal to their people to refrain from engaging in violence targeting members of the other community, and a call for the administration to take strong action against perpetrators of violence.

2.Appreciation for the steps taken by the Governor to facilitate the deposit of arms, along with an assurance of continued cooperation in this regard to instill a sense of security among the people.

3.An acknowledgment of the difficulties faced by the public due to the obstruction of free movement on National and State Highways, and an appeal to the public to cooperate with the administration to normalize the functioning of these routes.

4.A decision to welcome any initiative by the Government to facilitate the return of internally displaced persons to their respective places, subject to logistical and security arrangements made by the Government.

5.An appeal to the Government to prioritize development activities in areas that were neglected during the conflict.

6.An agreement that all long-term and contentious issues will be taken up with the Government of India (Ministry of Home Affairs) for resolution through dialogue and consultation with the communities concerned.