New Delhi, 13th December 2025: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), representatives of the Kuki-Zo groups under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) framework, namely the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and the United People’s Front (UPF), and officials of the Government of Manipur held the second round of tripartite talks in New Delhi on 12 December. Discussions focused on the demand for a Union Territory with Legislature for the Kuki-Zo people.
The UPF and KNO delegations were led by senior leaders of the two umbrella organisations. The MHA was represented by the Government of India’s Security Advisor for the North East, while a senior official represented the Government of Manipur. Deliberations primarily focused on land-related issues and governance in the hill areas inhabited by the Kuki-Zo people.
During the discussions, UPF and KNO stated that tribal land rights in Manipur’s hill districts are historically and customarily vested in tribal village chiefs. They emphasized that successive Manipur government policies have systematically undermined this foundational principle. The groups asserted that a Union Territory with Legislature is the only constitutionally consistent mechanism to safeguard traditional land rights and ensure proper governance.
UPF and KNO further stressed that a Constitution-based political solution has become an existential necessity. They cited the physical separation of populations since 3 May 2023, alleged weaponisation of state machinery against tribal citizens, and displacement from the Imphal Valley as evidence of the Manipur Government’s failure to uphold constitutional responsibilities. Reintegration under the existing state framework was described as no longer viable.
The groups stated that the 2023 violence was the culmination of decades of aggressive land policies and political pressure aimed at dispossessing tribal communities. They argued that a Union Territory Legislature would have the authority and neutrality required to prevent further dispossession and ensure justice.
They also highlighted allegations made prior to the violence, including branding Kuki-Zo villagers as “encroachers” and “illegal immigrants” to justify eviction drives. Executive orders issued in June 2011 extending valley police jurisdiction into hill subdivisions were cited as exacerbating insecurity during the May 2023 violence. Trust in the Manipur Legislative Assembly to fairly legislate on tribal land issues was stated to be no longer possible.
On land administration, the press release alleged illegal registration of hill land deeds by valley sub-registrars, violating the Manipur Land Revenue and Land Reforms Act, 1960, and undermining the Hill Areas Committee (HAC). It called for security and land records to be severed from state control and placed under a neutral administrative mechanism. KNO-UPF Press Release- 12th Dec…
The statement concluded that the social contract between the Kuki-Zo people and the State of Manipur has broken down, Article 371C has failed in practice, and the creation of a Union Territory with Legislature remains the only constitutional and viable solution for justice, security, normalcy, and lasting peace.
Sd/-
Information & Publicity
UPF and KNO
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