Paolienlal Haokip, a Kuki leader and BJP MLA who rose to prominence when ethnic violence occurred in Manipur, stated that the only way to resolve the state's race strife is to create three independent Union territories. In an interview with news agency PTI, Haokip argued for "political and administrative recognition of ethnic separation" in the state, increasing the ante on previously loosely stated requests for a "separate administration" for Kuki districts expressed by other Kuki community leaders.
However, N Biren Singh, the chief minister of Manipur, and Meitei organisations led by COCOMI, an umbrella group of several Imphal-based organisations, have, however, vehemently opposed any attempts to "break up" the state. According to analysts, the Central government, which is in talks with Kuki groups Kuki National Organisation and United Peoples Front, is also opposed to such a formulation.
Speaking with PTI, Haokip stated: “The way forward, as I see it, is for the Union government to give political and administrative recognition to the ethnic separation, where the state of Manipur is reorganised as three Union territories."
The proposal, according to critics, would imply the creation of distinct Naga, Kuki, and Meitei domains, which would be challenging given that many villages and districts have mixed populations.
The greatest approach to "ensure lasting peace" and "clear the way for each community to pursue excellence," according to him, is by such a step. More than 160 people have died as a result of ethnic conflict between Meiteis and Kukis, which started in early May of this year and is still a problem in the northeastern state.
Meiteis make up around 53% of Manipur's population and dwell predominantly in the Imphal Valley, while tribals, including Nagas and Kukis, make up 40% and live mostly in the hill regions.
Haokip, who was elected on a BJP ticket to the Saikot constituency in Manipur's Churachandpur district earlier this year, stated: “The resumption of talks by the central government with Kuki Zo insurgent groups on a bilateral platform is a positive development, given that the state government has been playing spoiler with its majoritarian and arrogant attitude.”
Haokip and other Kuki leaders say their group has been treated unfairly since the majority has controlled the state's resource allocations while strangling check mechanisms such as the Hill Areas Committee of the Manipur parliament.
They are also upset that tribal lands have been designated as reserved and protected forests without allowing tribal people to assert their pre-existing rights in these regions. The Manipur government razed Kuki settlements in protected woods earlier this year, saying they breached the woods Act.
The community is also furious over the delaying of the delimitation commission report, which it claims proposes awarding tribals additional seats in accordance to their rising percentage of the state's population.
On the other hand, organisations like the COCOMI, which organised a protest on Saturday in Imphal where tens of thousands of people gathered to oppose talks with Kuki groups, have labelled these groups as "narco-terrorists" and accused the Kuki-Zomi community of cultivating poppies and of encouraging "illegal migration from Myanmar" to swell their numbers.
Rubbishing these claims, Haokip stated: “The COCOMI is an organization parroting the majoritarian politics of arrogance, which had been challenging constitutional provisions governing the state that was Manipur. The accusations about illegal immigration and poppy cultivation are trumped up narratives meant to suit and instigate the current ethnic cleansing violence backed by the state.”
He also emphasised Kuki's long history of participation in the national movement of the nation.
“Kukis had fought the longest war with the British with perhaps the greatest casualty on the British side. The Anglo-Kuki war 1917-1919, recorded as the Kuki rebellion by British historians, lasted for almost three years,” he was quoted by PTI in its report.
He also emphasised how many Kuki participated in the Azad Hind Fauz under Netaji. In April 1944, the INA took control of Moirang town in Manipur and raised its flag there.