THE recent news that the Centre is planning to bring Kuki and Meitei leaders together for peace talks is a welcome move. However, peace talks alone will not be enough to bring lasting peace to Manipur unless the root cause of the conflict is addressed honestly and fairly. One of the most important issues that need attention is the demand for Union Territory (UT) status by the three major ethnic communities in Manipur — the Meiteis, the Kukis (especially the Kuki ), and the Nagas.
Unless these three UT demands are discussed and settled amicably, any peace deal will only be temporary. In this article, we explain why without solving the UT issue, true peace will not come to Manipur, no matter how many peace talks are held.
1. Understanding the Three UT Demands
a. Meitei UT Demand
The Meiteis are the majority ethnic group in Manipur, mostly living in the Imphal Valley. Many in this community want a separate UT or at least more central control to protect their identity, culture, and political control of the valley. They feel threatened by what they call "illegal immigration," changing demography, and loss of ancestral land.
b. Kuki UT Demand
The Kuki people, who mainly live in the hill districts like Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, and Tengnoupal, are demanding a separate administration or UT for their community. After the May 2023 ethnic violence, many Kukis feel unsafe and rejected in the present Manipur system. They believe a separate UT under the central government is the only way to secure their safety, dignity, and future.
c. Naga UT or Integration Demand
The Nagas, mostly in districts like Ukhrul, Senapati, and Tamenglong, have long demanded either a UT status or integration of their areas with "Greater Nagalim" — a proposed Naga homeland across Nagaland, Manipur, Assam, and Arunachal. The Naga demand is deeply emotional, rooted in history and identity.
2. Why Ignoring the UT Demands Is Dangerous
If the central government and Manipur leaders ignore these three UT demands and continue peace talks only at a surface level, they will not solve the deeper issues. The peace will only be temporary — a silence before another explosion.
People in Manipur are not just fighting with guns; they are fighting for their identity, dignity, and rights. If those are not protected or recognized equally, people will continue to feel injustice. And when people feel injustice, peace cannot stay long.
3. Past Lessons Prove This Point
Manipur has seen many rounds of peace talks before — between Nagas and the government, between armed groups and the state, and even within communities. But every time, violence returns because the real issues are not solved.
For example:
The peace talk with NSCN-IM has gone on for over 25 years, yet no final agreement.
The Kukis were never properly included in the Naga talks, causing mistrust.
The Meiteis feel that the Centre favors hill people, while the hill tribes feel dominated by the valley.
This cycle of mistrust, half-hearted talks, and repeated violence will never stop unless the UT issues are addressed.
4. What Will Happen If the Three UT Issues Are Ignored?
Violence Will Keep Coming Back: No matter how many weapons are seized or how many meetings are held, violence will return because people still feel unsafe and unheard.
Distrust Will Grow: Communities will blame each other and the government. Hate, suspicion, and division will increase. This will damage social harmony.
Economy Will Suffer: Investors, industries, and tourists won't come to a conflict zone. Manipur's economy will stay poor and backward.
Youth Will Be Misguided: When young people don't see a peaceful future, they may join armed groups or be misused by politicians.
Peace Talks Will Fail Again: Talks without truth, fairness, and political solutions are like treating a serious disease with painkillers — it won't work in the long run.
5. Why Separate UTs Can Help Bring Real Peace
Some people fear that giving UTs will divide Manipur. But sometimes, separation under the Constitution brings more peace and cooperation than forced unity. Look at Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir — after years of violence and disputes, they were made separate UTs in 2019. Now, both regions are seeing more development and calmness.
If the Meiteis, Kukis, and Nagas get their own UTs:
Each group will feel secure in their identity and land.
No group will dominate the other.
The Centre can control law and order directly in each UT.
People can rebuild trust and even cooperate again peacefully.
E
6. Steps Toward a Peaceful UT-Based Solution
To make this work, the following steps should be taken:
a. Truthful Dialogue
Instead of forcing one Manipur model, the Centre must listen openly to all three communities without bias. Let everyone express their pain, demands, and dreams.
b. Peaceful Demarcation
The UT boundaries should be decided with fairness, based on present habitation and historical claims — not force or politics.
c. Constitutional Guarantee
Each UT should be given proper constitutional protection for its language, culture, jobs, land, and governance.
d. Inter-UT Coordination Council
Even after separation, an inter-UT council can be formed to manage roads, rivers, and trade across the region. Unity can be maintained in practical matters.
7. Conclusion: Without UT Solutions, Peace Is Not Real
The truth is simple: without solving the three UT demands of Meiteis, Kukis, and Nagas, peace in Manipur will never be real or permanent. The Centre must not delay or deny this fact any longer.
The present moment — when violence has reduced slightly and leaders are ready to talk — is a golden chance to address this issue head-on. It's time to stop pretending that "dialogue alone" will fix everything. Real dialogue must include real political solutions — and that means amicably resolving the three UT demands.
Let each community be given its space to breathe freely, live with dignity, and grow without fear. That's how we build a peaceful and just future for Manipur and all its people.
KUKI TODAY 📫
Unless these three UT demands are discussed and settled amicably, any peace deal will only be temporary. In this article, we explain why without solving the UT issue, true peace will not come to Manipur, no matter how many peace talks are held.
1. Understanding the Three UT Demands
a. Meitei UT Demand
The Meiteis are the majority ethnic group in Manipur, mostly living in the Imphal Valley. Many in this community want a separate UT or at least more central control to protect their identity, culture, and political control of the valley. They feel threatened by what they call "illegal immigration," changing demography, and loss of ancestral land.
b. Kuki UT Demand
The Kuki people, who mainly live in the hill districts like Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, and Tengnoupal, are demanding a separate administration or UT for their community. After the May 2023 ethnic violence, many Kukis feel unsafe and rejected in the present Manipur system. They believe a separate UT under the central government is the only way to secure their safety, dignity, and future.
c. Naga UT or Integration Demand
The Nagas, mostly in districts like Ukhrul, Senapati, and Tamenglong, have long demanded either a UT status or integration of their areas with "Greater Nagalim" — a proposed Naga homeland across Nagaland, Manipur, Assam, and Arunachal. The Naga demand is deeply emotional, rooted in history and identity.
2. Why Ignoring the UT Demands Is Dangerous
If the central government and Manipur leaders ignore these three UT demands and continue peace talks only at a surface level, they will not solve the deeper issues. The peace will only be temporary — a silence before another explosion.
People in Manipur are not just fighting with guns; they are fighting for their identity, dignity, and rights. If those are not protected or recognized equally, people will continue to feel injustice. And when people feel injustice, peace cannot stay long.
3. Past Lessons Prove This Point
Manipur has seen many rounds of peace talks before — between Nagas and the government, between armed groups and the state, and even within communities. But every time, violence returns because the real issues are not solved.
For example:
The peace talk with NSCN-IM has gone on for over 25 years, yet no final agreement.
The Kukis were never properly included in the Naga talks, causing mistrust.
The Meiteis feel that the Centre favors hill people, while the hill tribes feel dominated by the valley.
This cycle of mistrust, half-hearted talks, and repeated violence will never stop unless the UT issues are addressed.
4. What Will Happen If the Three UT Issues Are Ignored?
Violence Will Keep Coming Back: No matter how many weapons are seized or how many meetings are held, violence will return because people still feel unsafe and unheard.
Distrust Will Grow: Communities will blame each other and the government. Hate, suspicion, and division will increase. This will damage social harmony.
Economy Will Suffer: Investors, industries, and tourists won't come to a conflict zone. Manipur's economy will stay poor and backward.
Youth Will Be Misguided: When young people don't see a peaceful future, they may join armed groups or be misused by politicians.
Peace Talks Will Fail Again: Talks without truth, fairness, and political solutions are like treating a serious disease with painkillers — it won't work in the long run.
5. Why Separate UTs Can Help Bring Real Peace
Some people fear that giving UTs will divide Manipur. But sometimes, separation under the Constitution brings more peace and cooperation than forced unity. Look at Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir — after years of violence and disputes, they were made separate UTs in 2019. Now, both regions are seeing more development and calmness.
If the Meiteis, Kukis, and Nagas get their own UTs:
Each group will feel secure in their identity and land.
No group will dominate the other.
The Centre can control law and order directly in each UT.
People can rebuild trust and even cooperate again peacefully.
E
6. Steps Toward a Peaceful UT-Based Solution
To make this work, the following steps should be taken:
a. Truthful Dialogue
Instead of forcing one Manipur model, the Centre must listen openly to all three communities without bias. Let everyone express their pain, demands, and dreams.
b. Peaceful Demarcation
The UT boundaries should be decided with fairness, based on present habitation and historical claims — not force or politics.
c. Constitutional Guarantee
Each UT should be given proper constitutional protection for its language, culture, jobs, land, and governance.
d. Inter-UT Coordination Council
Even after separation, an inter-UT council can be formed to manage roads, rivers, and trade across the region. Unity can be maintained in practical matters.
7. Conclusion: Without UT Solutions, Peace Is Not Real
The truth is simple: without solving the three UT demands of Meiteis, Kukis, and Nagas, peace in Manipur will never be real or permanent. The Centre must not delay or deny this fact any longer.
The present moment — when violence has reduced slightly and leaders are ready to talk — is a golden chance to address this issue head-on. It's time to stop pretending that "dialogue alone" will fix everything. Real dialogue must include real political solutions — and that means amicably resolving the three UT demands.
Let each community be given its space to breathe freely, live with dignity, and grow without fear. That's how we build a peaceful and just future for Manipur and all its people.
KUKI TODAY 📫
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