Kuki-Zo leaders suspend further dialogue with centre
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, May 16 2025: Report filed by Navin Upadhyay of the Power Corridor expressed that tensions in Manipur might escalate after Kuki-Zo leaders issued a joint statement rejecting further dialogue with the Government of India in pursuance of their demand for immediate resumption of substantive talks.

According to the report, in a major escalation of their political stand, elected Kuki-Zo MLAs, leaders of civil society organizations (CSOs), and representatives of armed groups under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) pact convened in Guwahati and unanimously resolved to cease all engagement with the Government of India or its representatives until substantive political dialogue resumes.

Kuki-Zo leaders suspend further dialogue with centre

The joint declaration - issued after hours of closed-door deliberations - marks a dramatic shift in the community's engagement strategy and signals rising frustration over the Centre s perceived inaction in addressing their core demands, particularly the call for a separate Union Territory.

"Until the resumption of substantive political dialogue by the Government of India with SoO groups, the CSOs and elected representatives shall no longer engage with the Government of India or its representatives," the official press release stated.

This declaration comes at a time when Manipur continues to reel under ethnic violence, political paralysis, and deep-rooted mistrust among communities.

The Guwahati conclave - billed as a decisive gathering of the Kuki-Zo leadership - has emerged as a rallying point for collective assertion and strategic clarity.

Nine of the ten Kuki-Zo MLAs were present, including senior figures such as Nemcha Kipgen (BJP, Kangpokpi), Letpao Haokip (BJP, Tengnoupal), Paolienlal Haokip (BJP, Saikot), LM Khaute (BJP, Churachandpur), and Kimneo Haokip Hangshing (KPA, Saikul).

BJP MLA Vungzagin Valte, who continues to recover from a mob attack in May 2023, was represented by a delegate.

The leadership was bolstered by key CSOs including the Kuki Inpi Manipur, Zomi Council, Hmar Inpi, and Kuki-Zo Council, who emphasized the need for a grassroots-driven, consultative political roadmap.

Representatives of SoO groups aligned with these CSOs added legitimacy and force to the collective declaration.

The Kuki-Zo bloc has long voiced scepticism about the Centre's handling of the Manipur crisis.

They notably boycotted an October 2024 dialogue in New Delhi, which included Meetei representatives, choosing instead to demand separate negotiations.

A more recent attempt at inter-community peace talks on April 5, 2025, also collapsed, with Kuki-Zo CSOs rejecting a draft peace plan supported by Meetei groups, citing the absence of hardliners like COCOMI and unresolved issues within the SoO framework.

The Guwahati resolution thus represents a hardening of position - an ultimatum for New Delhi to engage seriously with tribal demands or risk the complete breakdown of existing negotiation channels.

Former Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga, a vocal supporter of Kuki-Zo aspirations, is believed to be playing an informal advisory role.

His previous mediation efforts and ties with Zo ethnic groups across Northeast India could be pivotal in the unfolding geopolitical scenario.

Meanwhile, the absence of Meetei and Naga representatives from Friday's meeting underscores the fragility of broader peacebuilding efforts, which remain stalled amid deepening ethnic divides.

The Guwahati meeting may prove to be a turning point.

As one MLA put it, "Our people have suffered enough.

This meeting is about securing a future where peace and justice prevail".

Whether this signals the beginning of meaningful change or a deepening political standoff will depend on the Centre's next steps - particularly its willingness to reopen structured dialogue with the SoO groups and Kuki-Zo leadership.

Earlier, PTI reported that several Kuki MLAs from Manipur, along with representatives of various civil society organisations and Kuki militant groups that have suspended operations, held a closed-door meeting in Guwahati on Friday to discuss their future course of action with peace gradually returning to the ethnic strife-torn state.

Members of the Kuki community arrived in the Assam capital on Wednesday and Thursday and are staying at an undisclosed hotel where the meeting was held, the PTI quoted a source from the community and privy to the development as saying.

"It is a closed-door meeting, so it is difficult to know exactly what they are discussing.

However, one of them informed that they will mainly deliberate on one point - separate administration for the Kuki-Zo people in Manipur under the aegis of the Constitution so that we can live a life free of discrimination and subjugation," she added.

They are also believed to have discussed how to present their side of the story to the central government in support of their demand for a separate administration within Manipur.

"Peace is gradually returning to the state after the imposition of President's rule.

The next step is to have a lasting peace in Manipur.

Therefore, all stakeholders have now started discussions on the future course of action," another source said.

A senior Assam Police officer confirmed the meeting, but said it is taking place without informing the administration here.

We learnt about the meeting last evening, but they did not inform us.

According to our information, around 15 people are discussing their internal issues," he told PTI.

The Centre had imposed President's Rule in Manipur on February 13, days after Chief Minister N Biren Singh resigned from his post.

The Manipur Assembly, which has a tenure till 2027, has been put under suspended animation.

More than 260 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless in ethnic violence between the Meeteis and Kuki-Zo groups since May 2023.Meeteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipur's population and live mostly in the Imphal Valley.

Tribals - Nagas and Kukis - constitute little over 40 per cent and reside/resided both in the hill districts and the plains prior to outbreak of the ethnic violence.