Imphal, Oct 28 The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) on Wednesday said it could consider “stronger political measures”, including asking elected MLAs from the community to “withdraw” from the Manipur government, if steps were not taken to ensure security and advance a meaningful political solution.
In a statement, the council said more than 250 Kuki-Zo people had been killed since ethnic violence erupted in the state on May 3, 2023, while over 40,000 people had been displaced.
The KZC alleged that the government was practising selective justice, claiming that swift action was taken whenever Meitei or Naga civilians were harmed, while no comparable action followed the deaths of Kuki-Zo civilians.
The KZC reiterated its demand for a separate administration for the Kuki-Zo community, in the form of a Union Territory with a legislature.
“If the government fails to take concrete action to ensure our security, justice, and advance a meaningful political solution, KZC will consider stronger political measures, including calling upon our elected MLAs to withdraw from participation in the Manipur government and urging our SoO groups to reconsider their cooperation with the government,” the statement said.
The Kuki-Zo community is represented by 10 MLAs in the 60-member Manipur assembly.
The Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement is a tripartite arrangement involving the Centre, the Manipur government and several Kuki and Zomi militant groups.
(PTI News)
