Kangpokpi meet sticks to 'SA' demand
Source: Chronicle News Service

Kangpokpi, May 13 2025: Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) convened a 'Leaders' consultation and interaction programme' with the United People's Front (UPF), the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and representatives from various civil society organisations (CSOs) on Monday at Kangpokpi town and renewed its call for urgent political resolution.

The consultation 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)' - at LNC hotel aims to foster dialogue and unity within the Kuki-Zo community.

Kangpokpi meet sticks to 'SA' demand

It provided platform for deliberation, bringing together prominent leaders and community stakeholders to discuss pressing issues affecting the Kuki-Zo people.

Among the agenda discussed in the consultation were the stalled political negotiations with the Centre and charting a course for a Separate Administration for the Kuki-Zo people.

The meeting also deliberated on key social concerns, community cohesion and the formulation of inclusive strategies for the way forward.

After keynote address by CoTU chairman Thanglen Kipgen, KNO spokesperson Dr Seilen Haokip and UPF spokesperson Aaron Kipgen discussed key issues surrounding the ongoing conflict between the Kuki-Zo and Meetei communities.

They spoke on the root causes of the conflict, policies of the Government of Manipur vis-a-vis political dialogue, the urgent need for the resettlement of Kuki-Zo villages destroyed during the conflict and immediate resolution of the Kuki-Zo political demand specifically the creation of a Union Territory with Legislature under Article 239-A of the Constitution.

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

Several other prominent Kuki-Zo leaders, intellectuals, student representatives and leaders of tribe organisations also shared their insights on the way forward for the community.

According to the committee, the consultation represents a crucial step in shaping a more harmonious and effective future for the Kuki-Zo people highlighting that it is not just a meeting but a message to Delhi that the struggle of Kuki-Zo is far from over.

It also underscored the importance of mutual understanding and collective engagement, reflecting a broader effort to unify voices and strengthen community resolve amid the ongoing political challenges.