Kuki-Zo leaders cite reasons for rejecting Delhi pact
Source: Chronicle News Service

Kangpokpi, April 10 2025: Kuki-Zo community in Kangpokpi district held a grand reception at the KBC Hall to honour their leaders who took part in the recent Delhi talks with the Government of India on April 5.The high-level dialogue aimed at resolving the ongoing ethnic conflict was marked by a firm and principled stand from the Kuki-Zo delegation.

At a press conference following the reception, chairman of the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) publicly rejected the six-point proposal put forth by the Government, describing the terms as unacceptable.

This rejection formed the primary reason for the Council's decision not to sign the proposed agreement.

Kuki-Zo leaders cite reasons for rejecting Delhi pact

Summarising the Government's proposal, the chairman stated that it called for an end to inter-community violence and cooperation in arms surrender, urged for removal of blockades affecting free movement, proposed support for the return of displaced persons, and advocated development in conflict-hit areas.

The final point mentioned that long-term issues would be addressed through dialogue with the concerned communities under the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The chairman outlined another critical reason for declining the agreement - the lack of genuine representation from the Meetei side.

He argued that the Meetei civil society groups present at the talks, AMUCO and FOCS, held no legitimate mandate from their community.

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

KZC also revealed that the proposal for cessation of hostilities initially came from the Kuki-Zo Council and was later accepted by the Government.

However, the first joint meeting between Kuki-Zo and Meetei representatives quickly turned emotional, laying bare the deep scars left by the conflict.

Organised by the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), the reception was attended by tribal leaders from Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills, Thadou Inpi, various tribal organisations, student bodies, and women's groups.

Addressing the gathering, the leaders who represented the community in Delhi informed that while the talks were constructive, no agreement was signed.

They emphasised that any decision must fully reflect the rightful demands and secure the 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," said one of the leaders.