SENAPATI, March 8: Home Minister Amit Shah has made it clear that the Centre will not entertain the key demand from Manipur’s Kuki-Zo community for a separate administration under Union Territory (UT) status in areas with a tribal majority. This decision, described as non-negotiable, was communicated by Shah to Manipur Governor AK Bhalla and other senior state officials during a recent security review meeting led by him.
According to The Tribune report, sources close to the meeting, held on March 1, 2025, revealed that Shah firmly told Governor Bhalla and senior officials of the Home Ministry that the Kuki-Zo community’s demand for Union Territory status in districts with a majority tribal population was a “non-negotiable issue” that should be rejected outright.
Additionally, the Union Home Minister directed that all members of armed groups who had signed the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with the Centre should be instructed to return to their designated camps. Shah emphasized that any armed individuals seen in public places must be strictly dealt with.
Further instructions were given regarding the monitoring of people moving between Manipur and Myanmar. Shah underscored that those entering Manipur from Myanmar should not overstay beyond the one-week period allowed under the Inner Line Permit (ILP).
Shah also directed the state administration to urgently repair and restore all places of worship, including temples, churches, and mosques, which were damaged during the ongoing ethnic violence in the state, now nearly two years old.
Following his visit to New Delhi, Governor Bhalla convened a follow-up meeting with state officials, including Chief Secretary Prashant Kumar Singh, DGP Rajiv Singh, Security Adviser Kuldiep Singh, and paramilitary forces. During this meeting, Bhalla reiterated the directives issued by Amit Shah and called for immediate action and follow-up on the instructions.
The Centre had signed the SoO agreement with 25 armed Kuki groups in Manipur in 2008, which was extended annually until February 29, 2025. However, sources indicated that the agreement has not been renewed since that time.
