Ten Kuki-Zo legislators from Manipur have urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to allocate dedicated budgetary provisions for development projects in areas predominantly inhabited by the Kuki-Zo community.
They reiterated their demand for a separate administrative arrangement, possibly as a Union Territory, and called for an expedited political dialogue to resolve the ongoing ethnic conflict in the state.
In a memorandum dated December 10, the MLAs alleged that the Kuki-Zo community has suffered systemic discrimination under the state government, leading to neglect in development and even a lack of essential supplies.
“The state government has failed to ensure the supply of life-saving drugs and other essentials to our people due to diktats from radicalized, Valley-based organizations in Imphal,” the MLAs stated.
Adding, “While our people do not obstruct the movement of vehicles carrying essential items in Kangpokpi district as per the central government’s advice, the Meiteis, with full knowledge of the state government, continue to block such supplies to the hill districts,” the memorandum stated.
The Kuki-Zo legislators have been boycotting the Manipur Assembly sessions since ethnic violence erupted in the state on May 3, 2023.
Along with tribal organizations, they have been vocal about their demand for a separate administrative setup for tribals in Manipur, citing the lack of safety and fairness under the current state administration.
The MLAs also appealed to the central government to implement interim measures, including planning mechanisms and budgetary allocations, to address urgent development needs in tribal-dominated districts.
They emphasized that such measures are necessary until a long-term political solution is reached.
The protest by the Kuki-Zo legislators coincided with a similar demonstration held by opposition INDIA bloc leaders at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.
The bloc demanded that the Prime Minister visit Manipur and take steps to end the prolonged ethnic violence, which has persisted for over 19 months.
The ongoing unrest in Manipur has underscored deep ethnic divisions, with the Kuki-Zo community advocating for greater autonomy and equitable development in the face of what they describe as systemic marginalization.
The MLAs’ appeal adds to the growing pressure on the central government to address the situation comprehensively and restore peace in the troubled state.
