PM Narendra Modi (PTI)
Ten MLAs from Manipur’s Kuki-Zo community have appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene for an “early political settlement” to the ongoing ethnic conflict in the state. In a joint memorandum submitted to the Prime Minister, the legislators, including seven from the BJP, alleged that their community had faced “ethnic persecution” and been “totally cleansed from the valley areas.”Highlighting the demographic divide, they noted that Kukis form the majority in the hill regions while Meiteis dominate the valley. The MLAs asserted that the two communities can “live in peace only as good neighbours, never under the same roof again,” and urged Modi “to expedite the dialogue to address our demand for a separate Union Territory with Legislature.”“This alone, we believe, will bring lasting peace and a sense of security, justice, and belonging to our people,” the memorandum stated.These ten tribal MLAs from the Kuki community had called on the Centre to establish a separate administration for their people in response to the violent clashes back in July 2023, as cited by PTI.PM Modi on Saturday visited Manipur for the first time since ethnic violence erupted in 2023, plunging the state into unrest. As part of his three-day tour across five states, the Prime Minister addressed two public rallies, interacted with locals, and inaugurated development projects worth several thousand crores.During his visit, PM Modi pledged to transform Manipur into a “symbol of peace and prosperity,” urging all communities to renounce violence and assuring citizens that the Centre remains committed to rebuilding lives shattered by ethnic conflict. He described Manipur as the “ratna” adorning the crown of “mother India” and praised the contribution of the “valiant sons” of the state in the success of Operation Sindoor.”For development to take root anywhere, peace is essential. In the last 11 years, many conflicts and disputes in the Northeast have been resolved. People have chosen the path of peace and given priority to development,” he said. Prior to the Prime Minister’s visit, Kuki-Zo groups had announced they would boycott events tied to the PM, citing continuing grief and displacement. “Our mourning is not yet over, our tears have not yet dried, our wounds have not yet healed — we cannot dance with joy,” said the Imphal Hmar Displaced People Committee.The groups also rejected the September 4 extension of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement signed by two Kuki armed outfits along with the Centre and the state, which included a clause affirming Manipur’s territorial integrity. The Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) clarified that the deal is binding only on the signatory groups, not on the wider Kuki-Zo community.
