A group of 10 Kuki MLAs, including seven from the ruling BJP, have submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressing their grievances over the worsening discrimination faced by the Kuki-Zo community in Manipur.
The MLAs, alleging the state government’s failure to address their concerns, have asked the Prime Minister to route funds for development to the hill districts directly, bypassing the state government.
The memorandum, submitted on 1 December 2024, highlights the community's struggles since the eruption of ethnic violence in Manipur.
The Kuki community, which predominantly resides in the hill districts, has been severely affected by the lack of essential supplies and development, particularly after the state’s ethnic clashes that erupted in May 2023.
In a direct appeal to the Prime Minister, the MLAs said, “The state government failed to ensure even the supply of life-saving drugs and other essential supplies to our people as it dances to the diktats of radicalised Valley-based organisations.”
They criticised the state government for not recommending the inclusion of hill districts in central financial assistance schemes, such as the Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North Eastern Region (PM-DevINE), which saw 100 per cent central funding. Similarly, the sanctioned construction of 57 roads under the Central Roads and Infrastructure Fund has excluded the hill districts.
The Kuki MLAs expressed their discontent by holding a silent sit-in protest at Jantar Mantar on Tuesday, wearing masks to demonstrate how their voices have been muted.
The silent protest aimed to draw attention to their demands for fair treatment and political dialogue, which they claim has been delayed under the current state leadership.
The Kuki MLAs have further reiterated their demand for a separate administration, stating that since 3 May 2023, the state government has effectively “failed to exist for all practical purposes” for their people.
They have called for an expedited political dialogue to resolve the ongoing ethnic conflict.
The memorandum also addresses the ongoing Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with Kuki militant groups, accusing the Manipur government of undermining the peace process by selectively extending the agreement to certain armed groups.
The MLAs warned against the discontinuation of the agreement, claiming it was central to resolving political issues and restoring peace.
“We condemn attempts to create divisions within our people by proposals to discontinue the SoO with select armed groups,” the memorandum stated.
The MLAs have sought an audience with the Prime Minister to better present their perspective and to advocate for the community’s interests.
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