Manipur: ‘Separation Is the Only Solution,’ Kuki-Zo Leaders Stand Firm Despite Biren Singh’s Resignation

Following N Biren Singh’s resignation as Chief Minister of Manipur, one of the key demands of the Kuki-Zo community has been fulfilled, but questions remain over the next steps in resolving the ethnic crisis that began on 3 May 2023.

The 10 Kuki-Zomi-Hmar MLAs, including seven from the BJP, are set to convene a crucial meeting this week to deliberate on the future course of action regarding their long-standing demand for a separate administration, as reported The Hindu.

Balancing Party Loyalty with Community Demands

The Kuki-Zomi-Hmar legislators face a delicate challenge — navigating between party discipline and the aspirations of their people. While the Kuki-Zo civil society groups and the Suspension of Operation (SoO) groups remain steadfast in their demand for a Union Territory (UT) with a legislature, concerns persist over whether all MLAs will remain committed to the cause.

A senior Kuki-Zomi-Hmar MLA stated, “Within this week, we will convene a meeting to discuss what next. But it will be a little tricky because many of the MLAs will have to balance party discipline with what their people want.”, quoted as saying by The Hindu.

Kuki-Zo Leaders Remain Firm on Demand for Separation

Despite Singh’s resignation, civil society organisations (CSOs) have shown no signs of backing down from their demand for a separate administration.

Ginza Vualzong, spokesperson for the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), reiterated this stance, stating on X:
“Whether Biren resigned or not, the Kuki-Zo aspiration for a separate administration remains. We have been killed, plundered, driven out, and rendered homeless by the Meiteis. There is no returning; separation is the only solution. Only a political solution can redeem the Kuki-Zo.”

Vualzong was part of the KZC delegation that met with Home Ministry officials last month and is also associated with the Churachandpur-based Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF).

Uncertain Political Landscape After Singh’s Exit

Some civil society leaders remain sceptical about the commitment of all Kuki-Zo legislators to the cause now that Biren Singh has stepped down.

A senior civil society leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, pointed out that some MLAs have previously maintained close ties with the establishment, raising concerns about whether they will continue advocating for a Union Territory with a legislature.

“Many of these legislators have had a history of being close to the establishment. It is a real concern among the people if all the legislators are as committed to sustaining the demand for a UT with a legislature amidst their politicking,” the leader said.

With power dynamics between the MLAs, CSOs, and SoO groups evolving over the last two years, the leader also questioned whether it is still possible to bring all stakeholders together to reach a productive resolution.