Will Kuki-Zo MLAs join Manipur popular govt? Groups weigh stand, may take a call at next week’s meeting

A graffiti in Kangpokpi. (Express Photo: Sukrita Baruah

With Manipur set to complete a year under President’s Rule next month and amid efforts to explore the formation of a popular government in the state, Kuki-Zo groups are deliberating to cement a stand on MLAs belonging to the community joining such a government.

One of the 10 MLAs from the Kuki-Zo community – Manipur has a total of 60 Assembly constituencies – told The Indian Express that a key meeting on this is likely to take place next week. “This question is still being considered, and there will be clarity on this after a meeting between the MLAs and the SoO groups (Kuki-Zo insurgent groups which are currently in talks with the government under Suspension of Operations arrangements) next week,” said the MLA. He was referring to one of the biggest questions in Manipur’s current political landscape: whether the Kuki-Zo MLAs – who have been supporting the demand for a separate Union Territory and had completely rejected engagement with the then Biren Singh-led Manipur government, before the imposition of President’s Rule – would join a new popular state government.

In the run-up to the meeting, the Churachandpur-based civil society organisation, Kuki Zo Council, issued a statement that its governing council had on December 30 passed a resolution which stated: “Considering the present realities and the unanimous sentiment that the Kuki Zo people can no longer live together with the Meitei community, the Governing Council reaffirmed its political demand for a Separate Administration in the form of a Union Territory under the Constitution of India. The Governing Council unanimously resolved that the Kuki-Zo people cannot and shall not participate in the formation of the Government of Manipur.”

It went on to distance itself from any decision on the contrary, stating, “If any individual chooses to participate in the formation of the Government of Manipur, such participation shall be solely at his or her own responsibility, and the Kuki-Zo Council shall not be held accountable in any manner.”

Kuki Zo Council chairman Henlianthang Thanglet told The Indian Express that there were “apprehensions that some MLAs may try to enter a popular government”.

“Looking at the sentiments of people in all the Kuki-Zo districts, we feel pressure, and they are completely against it. The final decision will be taken with the KNO and UPF and there will be a meeting on this next week, but we even have an apprehension that because the public sentiment is so against this, if some MLAs decide to join a government, the KZC will not be in a position to stop a mob,” he said.

On December 14, the BJP brass held a crucial meeting with party MLAs from Manipur, bringing both Kuki and Meitei MLAs under one roof for engagement, a prerequisite, leaders believe, for any credible move towards government formation. Four of the seven Kuki-Zo BJP MLAs are learnt to have participated in the meeting. Also, there is sustained pressure from Manipur’s Meitei and Naga NDA legislators to replace President’s Rule with an elected government.