The Kuki leaders referenced the controversial 1951 Naga referendum. This marks a significant development amid ongoing instability.

Earlier, Kuki-Zo organisations in Manipur demanded for a separate administration and revocation of Indian government’s decision to scrape the Free Movement Regime (FMR) that allows ethnic communities living along the border to Myanmar withoug without any travel document.

However, the central government has turned down the demand for a separate administration in the form of a Union Territory for Kuki-dominated areas in Manipur, a key condition set by Kuki-Zo organizations to resolve the ongoing conflict with the Meiteis.

The rejection of the demand has caused unrest among Kuki-Zo groups.

As part of efforts to end the ongoing conflict, which has claimed over 260 lives since May 2023, the Centre shared a “blueprint” for peace with Kuki representatives on Monday. The development follows the blockade of NH-2 and NH-37 by Kuki groups since March 8, in protest against the Centre’s directive to restore unrestricted movement on roads from that date.

The rejection of their demand is expected to spark further tensions, as 10 Kuki MLAs and insurgent groups under a suspension of operations (SoO) agreement have maintained that Kukis cannot remain under the Manipur government, which they claim is dominated by the Meitei community.

The Centre had imposed President’s Rule in Manipur on February 13, shortly after Chief Minister N. Biren Singh resigned amid pressure from NDA allies. However, Meitei MLAs and organizations have strongly opposed the Kuki demand, urging the Centre to categorically dismiss it and take action against Kuki insurgent groups to restore peace.