Manipur Violence: Tribal Body ITLF Gives ‘Self-Governed Separate Administration’ Ultimatum To Centre

The Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF) representing Kuki-Zo tribes has declared its readiness to establish a "self-governed separate administration" in areas predominantly inhabited by tribal communities. This statement, comes after six months of ethnic violence in the Northeastern state, which has resulted in around 180 casualties and the displacement of thousands, signals a significant development in the ongoing crisis.

"It has been over six months and nothing has been done regardng our demand for a separate administration from Manipur government. So if our voice is not heard within couple of weeks, we will set up our self-government. Irrespective of whether the Centre recognises it or not, we will go ahead. As in a state or a Union Territory, we will set up a self-government that will look into all matters in the Kuki-Zo areas, we have to do this since our voice has not been heard," said Muan Tombing, General Secretary of the ITLF.

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Meanwhile, Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) from the state's tribal communities, including those affiliated with the ruling BJP, have voiced the demand for complete separation from the Manipur government, which is predominantly led by the majority Meiteis.

In response to the situation, ITLF organised large-scale protests in Churachandpur, pressing for the fulfillment of their demand. They also called for a CBI or NIA investigation into the killing of 22 tribals, expressing a lack of action by central agencies in addressing alleged atrocities against the Kuki-Zo community.

ITLF spokesperson Ginza Vualzong said, "Many brutal killings of members of the Kuki-Zo community have taken place but the CBI or the central agencies have not taken them up for investigation. This rally is to protest against the atrocities committed against the Kuki-Zo people."

The ethnic unrest in Manipur sparked in May following a proposal to grant Scheduled Tribe status to Meiteis. Although the initial move has been rolled back, the situation remains tense.

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Meiteis, constituting about 53% of the state's population and predominantly residing in the Imphal Valley, and tribals, making up 40% and mainly residing in hill districts, continue to grapple with the ongoing crisis.