Imphal: Kuki leader and BJP MLA Paolienlal Haokip has stated that Kuki-Zo representatives will not take part in the process of government formation in Manipur unless there is a written commitment from the Centre toward a political settlement.
In a social media post, he said that without justice for what he termed the “ethnic cleansing” of his people and a formal assurance addressing their political aspirations, participation in the election of a Legislative Party Leader would not be possible.
Haokip tagged the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Prime Minister’s Office, signalling an appeal for direct intervention by the Union government. His remarks come amid continuing ethnic tensions in Manipur that began in 2023 and led to large-scale displacement and deep mistrust between communities.
Kuki-Zo civil society groups and leaders have consistently called for a separate administrative arrangement or constitutional safeguards to ensure their security and political rights, and Haokip’s latest statement indicates that sections of the leadership may withhold cooperation in state political processes until a clear and written political roadmap is offered.
