Amid ongoing unrest in Manipur, the Kuki-Zo community has hardened its stance regarding the formation of a new government in the state. Ten Kuki-Zo MLAs, including seven from the BJP, have resolved to abstain from participating in any new government while President's Rule is in effect. This decision underscores the community's commitment to protecting their ancestral land, culture, and rights.

The resolution was announced by Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) General Secretary Khaikhohauh Gangte after a joint meeting with various Kuki-Zo tribal organizations and their district units. The meeting, held on Friday at the KIM secretariat in Bijang, included representatives from the Kuki Students' Organisation, Kuki Khanglai Lawmpi, Kuki Christian Leaders' Forum, Kuki Women's Union, Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights, and the Kuki Chiefs' Association.

The resolution states that "no Kuki-Zo MLA shall participate or take part in any manner in the formation of a new popular government in Manipur". It further asserts that the Kuki-Zo people will "under no circumstances compromise our ancestral land, culture, identity, or political, social and economic rights". KIM has called on all concerned parties, including political representatives and civil society bodies, to strictly adhere to this resolution.

This decision is a reflection of the collective political will and aspiration of the Kuki-Zo people and is binding upon all Kuki-Zo representatives and community organizations. The ten Kuki-Zo legislators have boycotted all assembly sessions since the outbreak of violence on May 3, 2023. They have been strongly advocating for a separate administration, equivalent to a Union Territory with a legislature.

The state of Manipur, bordering Myanmar, has been under President's Rule since February, following the resignation of N. Biren Singh as Chief Minister. The Centre has set a target of December 2025 for the complete resettlement of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). BJP MLA Y. Khemchand Singh has stated that the central government is working "step by step" to restore normalcy, citing recent seizures of illicit arms and ongoing peace talks led by the Union Home Ministry. He acknowledged that resolving the crisis will take time but assured that the hardships faced by the people would be addressed sensibly.

Kuki groups have been demanding a separate state or Union Territory, citing demands dating back to 1946-47. While Kuki groups point to the ethnic clashes that began in May 2023 as the reason for escalating their demand, Meitei leaders point to decades-old evidence of Kuki groups working to form 'Kukiland' carved out of Manipur. The World Kuki-Zo Intellectual Council (WKZIC) stated that the Kuki tribes have been demanding a state "since 1946-47".

The Kuki community hopes that this political stand will bring attention to their call for safety and self-governance. However, with Manipur already under President's rule and deep divisions between communities, this boycott could complicate efforts to restore peace.