The Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), the apex body of the Kuki-Zo community, has declared that no Kuki-Zo Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) will participate in the formation of a new government in Manipur. This firm resolution was made during a joint meeting of KIM and its federating units on July 4, 2025, at the KIM Secretariat in Bijang, Lamka.

The decision, formalized in a memorandum signed by KIM General Secretary Khaikhohauh Gangte, highlights two critical points: a complete abstention from participation in any new government formation and an unwavering commitment to protecting the Kuki-Zo people's ancestral land, cultural identity, and political, social, and economic rights. KIM has asserted that this resolution represents the collective political will of the Kuki-Zo community and is binding on all Kuki-Zo representatives and community organizations. The organization has urged all stakeholders, including political representatives and civil society bodies, to strictly adhere to the resolution.

This move comes amidst continued ethnic and political unrest in Manipur. The ten Kuki-Zo MLAs, including seven from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), have been vocal in their support for a separate administration, which they propose should be equivalent to a Union Territory with a legislature. They have boycotted all assembly sessions in Manipur since the outbreak of violence on May 3, 2023.

The Kuki-Zo community's demand for a separate administration stems from the ethnic clashes that began in May 2023. These clashes have resulted in over 250 deaths and the displacement of thousands. While Kuki groups cite these clashes as the reason for escalating their demand from an autonomous council to a separate administration or Union Territory, Meitei leaders point to historical evidence suggesting Kuki groups have been working towards creating a "Kukiland" from Manipur for decades. The World Kuki-Zo Intellectual Council (WKZIC) stated in a memorandum to Manipur's Governor on January 15 that the Kuki tribes have been demanding a separate state since 1946-47.

Manipur is currently under President's Rule, which was imposed after Chief Minister N. Biren Singh resigned in February. Some BJP leaders have recently discussed the possibility of forming a popular government soon. Senior BJP leader Yumnam Khemchand Singh has praised the central government's efforts to restore peace in Manipur and commended Union Home Minister Amit Shah's approach to resolving the crisis. Singh also noted the significant recovery of illicit arms and ammunition by security forces in the past month. The central government has set a target of December 2025 for the complete resettlement of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).