When Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Manipur Saturday, his first since the onset of ethnic conflict between the Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities in the state in May 2023, Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) submitted a memorandum to the PM, demanding “a separate administration in the form of a Union Territory with a legislature” for the hill tribes.
A leading civil society organisation, KZC has been at the forefront of voicing the concerns and demands of Kuki-Zos. It has also been in negotiations with the Centre as the latter makes efforts to restore peace and normalcy in the strife-torn state. In an interview with The Indian Express, KZC’s spokesperson Ginza Vuelzong spoke on a range of issues related to the Manipur crisis and PM Modi’s visit. Excerpts:
What is your initial reaction to the PM’s visit to Churachandpur?
For years we lamented that the Prime Minister showed little interest in visiting conflict-torn Manipur. His decision to finally come has given us a renewed sense of hope. This visit is truly historic, as it comes nearly four decades after an Indian Prime Minister last set foot in our land.
PM Modi expressed grief over violence in Manipur and made an appeal for peace saying that was the only way to progress. How has that message been taken by the hill people?
The word ‘peace’ may sound comforting, but uttering it without substance carries no meaning. True peace must be built on action, commitment, and genuine initiative. In Manipur, the conflict between the Kuki-Zo and the Meitei communities runs deep, leaving us physically divided beyond reconciliation. Too much blood has been shed, and countless lives shattered. In this reality, only a political solution can address our plight. For peace to be lasting and meaningful, it must be rooted in a just and durable political settlement.
There have been some sporadic incidents of violence, including arson at a Kuki leader’s house, after the PM’s visit to Churachandpur. Are people disappointed – what is this anger all about?
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These actions appear to be the work of a few rebellious youths, seemingly influenced by the recent Gen Z agitation in Nepal. It is evident that they have been misled and misinformed about the efforts and intentions of our leaders.
What do you think of the development project announcements made by the PM?
Out of the Rs 8,500 crore worth of projects announced by the Prime Minister, only Rs 23 crore has been allocated for Kuki-Zos in Churachandpur district. No funds have been earmarked for other Kuki-Zo districts such as Kangpokpi and Pherzawl. This once again serves as a stark reminder of our continued marginalisation. Our people do not merely yearn for development funds; what we seek above all is a political solution – because once a political settlement is achieved, meaningful development will naturally follow.
While you have demanded separate administration, the PM spoke about strengthening local governance bodies. How do you view the PM’s promise on that front?
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The government will always attempt to bargain our rightful demands down to something lesser. Our people have lost all trust in local governance. In the past, the majority community, Meiteis, held our Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) hostage, repeatedly denying us the right to conduct elections for our local bodies. The Hill Areas Committee in the Manipur Assembly was reduced to a toothless institution, stripped of power and purpose.
Since the outbreak of violence on 3rd May 2023, Kuki-Zos have endured relentless suffering – our people have been killed, our homes and churches burnt, and our community driven out of the Imphal valley, leaving us permanently separated. In such a reality, local governance is no remedy. Our issue can only be resolved through a genuine political solution – one that ensures complete separation from Manipur.
Would a stronger Autonomous Hill Council in place of a UT with legislature be acceptable to the hill tribes?
Separation is the only viable solution for our people… We have been driven out of Meitei land and branded as illegal immigrants, refugees, and poppy cultivators. They have never considered us part of Manipur. Under such circumstances, why should we settle for a mere Autonomous Hill Council under their dominance?
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Whether we like it or not, separation has already been forced upon us by their actions. It is, therefore, the mutual reality for both Meiteis and us that we remain apart. We demand a separate administration in the form of a Union Territory with legislature under Article 239A of the Indian Constitution. We are not seeking independence, but simply the right and opportunity to govern ourselves within the Indian Union.
Where do you see things going from here?
On 4th September 2025, our SoO (Suspension of Operations) groups signed an agreement with the Government of India to pursue a political settlement under the framework of the Constitution in a time-bound manner. This marks a significant milestone for our people, as we can now look forward to a meaningful political dialogue in the days ahead.
In the history of India, no state has ever driven out its own citizens from their land. In light of this unprecedented injustice, we remain hopeful that the Government of India will recognise our plight and pave the way for a just and lasting political settlement within the ambit of the Constitution.