Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi/Imphal, Dec 13: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Manipur government officials, and representatives of Kuki-Zo groups under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) held the second round of tripartite talks in New Delhi on December 12 to discuss governance and land issues in Manipur’s hill areas.

Representatives of the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and United People’s Front (UPF) focused on the demand for a Union Territory (UT) with a Legislature for the Kuki-Zo tribal community, citing historical and customary tribal land rights vested in village chiefs. The groups claimed that successive Manipur government policies have undermined these traditional rights, and argued that a separate political structure under a UT would be necessary to protect them.

The tribal organisations also highlighted the impact of ethnic violence since May 3, 2023, stating that the Manipur government has failed to uphold its constitutional responsibilities. They described the reintegration of Kuki-Zo populations under the current state administration as unfeasible, framing a separate UT as essential for ensuring justice, security, and lasting peace.

KNO and UPF emphasised that Article 371C and the Hill Areas Committee have been ineffective in safeguarding tribal rights, and asserted that a UT with a Legislature remains the only viable constitutional solution to prevent dispossession and restore normalcy.

The Kuki-Zo groups comprise 23 underground militant outfits that signed the SoO with the government on August 22, 2008. Approximately 2,266 cadres currently reside in designated camps across Manipur’s hill regions.

The first round of talks, held in November 2025, had virtually rejected the demand for a separate Union Territory with a Legislature. The second round primarily concentrated on land governance, traditional rights, and the political and constitutional mechanisms required to protect the tribal population.