Kuki-Zo Groups Unite to Demand Separate Political Recognition in Manipur

Kuki-Zo civil society organisations and Suspension of Operations (SoO) groups in Manipur on September 22 resolved to present a united position in support of their demand for a Union Territory with a legislature. The decision was taken during a joint public meeting organised by the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and the United People’s Front (UPF) in Churachandpur on September 21, 2026. Participants reaffirmed their support for the political demand before the Government of India. Representatives of several Kuki-Zo organisations attended the meeting. They included the Kuki-Zo Council, Kuki Inpi Manipur , Vaiphei People’s Council, United Zou Organisation, Kuki Inpi Churachandpur, Mate Tribe Council, Gangte Tribe Union, Any Kuki Tribe, Thadou Inpi and Kuki Chief Association of Churachandpur, along with their respective frontal bodies. The participants also agreed to work with the Kuki-Zo Council and support its role in representing and advocating for the interests of the Kuki-Zo community. The development comes after the signing of a renewed and revised SoO agreement in New Delhi in August 2026. The agreement was signed between the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Government of Manipur and Kuki-Zo groups. The tripartite agreement upheld Manipur’s territorial integrity and allowed political dialogue under the Indian Constitution. Kuki-Zo groups, however, continue to seek separate political recognition. At the same time, several other civil society organisations in Manipur continue to demand the complete abrogation of the SoO agreement. They have alleged that the Kuki-Zo groups have violated the pact’s ground rules.