Imphal: During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s first visit to Manipur since the outbreak of ethnic violence last year, ten legislators from the Kuki-Zo community on Sunday submitted a memorandum urging him to push for an “early political settlement” to the crisis.
The legislators — seven of them from the BJP — alleged that their community had faced “ethnic persecution” and had been “completely driven out” of the valley districts since clashes between Meiteis and Kukis erupted in May 2023.
The violence has so far claimed over 260 lives and displaced thousands.
Reiterating their longstanding demand, the MLAs called for the creation of a separate Union Territory with legislature for the Kuki-dominated hill areas.
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“The two communities can live as good neighbours but never under the same roof again,” the memorandum stated, adding that only a separate administration could ensure lasting peace, justice, and security.
This is not the first time the Kuki MLAs have raised the demand.
In July 2023, they had publicly sought a separate administrative arrangement in the wake of escalating ethnic violence.
