Kuki-Zo leadership to press Union Territory demand at May 16 Guwahati meet

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMay 14, 2025

The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) will present a unified political stance at a high-level meeting in Guwahati on May 16, where Kuki-Zo MLAs and representatives from Suspension of Operation (SoO) groups are expected to participate. The core agenda: reasserting their long-standing demand for a separate Union Territory under Article 239A of the Constitution.

This position was finalized at the KZC’s first Governing Council meeting, held on May 13 at the READS Auditorium in Rengkai, Churachandpur. The gathering followed a strategic consultation with leaders from the United People’s Front (UPF) and Kuki National Organisation (KNO) in Kangpokpi.

Reaffirming its demand for a separate administration akin to the Puducherry model, the Council passed five key resolutions. Among them was a structural expansion of the Council’s cabinet, adding four Vice-Chairpersons, Joint Secretaries, and Assistant Secretaries. Another resolution called for drafting a unified budget and ensuring financial contributions from all constituent bodies.

The Council also confirmed its foundational principles without amendments after a comprehensive review, underlining internal unity ahead of the upcoming dialogue.

Speaking on behalf of the Council, Chairman Henlianthang stated, “Despite our internal differences, the Kuki-Zo people have stood resilient. We will steadfastly pursue the political aspiration of a separate administration under Article 239A.”

The demand for a Union Territory has drawn strong opposition from valley-based groups and civil society organisations, especially in the wake of the violent ethnic clashes that began in Manipur in May 2023. Still, the KZC is set to formally present its case in Guwahati, aiming to cement its vision for a popular government representing the Kuki-Zo population.