Christian-dominated Kuki community in Manipur mulls referendum for UT
Imphal: Following failed talks with the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) delegation, various Christian dominated Kuki groups in Manipur are now contemplating a referendum to determine their political future – whether to push for a Union Territory or remain a part of the state of Manipur.
According to Kashmir Media Service, if this referendum proceeds, it would mark the second time in Northeast India’s history that a community has voted on its political status. The first was the Naga National Council’s (NNC) plebiscite on May 16, 1951, which sought to decide the “sovereignty of the Naga people.” Despite 99.9% of the vote favoring an independent Naga nation, New Delhi rejected the outcome. Over a decade later, Nagaland became a state in 1963, but the issue of sovereignty remains unresolved.
A Kuki-Zo leader shared, “Currently, we’re raising awareness about the referendum idea, and the Kuki-Zo Council will address it soon.” He pointed out that media reports have stated the Indian government has rejected the Kuki-Zo demand for Union Territory status for the Kuki-Zo people, adding, “This only proves one thing – our future is in our own hands,” the leader said.
The draft “Kuki-Zo People’s Referendum Ballot,” which focuses on “the Political Future of the Kuki-Zo People of Manipur,” proposes that voting be open to Kuki-Zo citizens listed on India’s electoral rolls. The question posed would be: “Do you, as a Kuki-Zo person residing in Manipur, support the creation of a Union Territory for all Kuki-Zo villages to be governed directly by the Central Government of India, ensuring safety, justice, and equitable development?”
The Kuki-Zo leader emphasized that the creation of Nagaland through the Naga plebiscite is a historical precedent that validated the Naga people’s will. “For us, it’s simpler—we just need to vote on whether to stay under Manipur or become a Union Territory,” he added.
Critics argue that rejecting the referendum will not extinguish the Kuki struggle. Delhi’s defiance only intensifies the fight for freedom in Manipur. The region’s minorities are waking up to the reality: submission is no longer an option, and their fight for justice and freedom is unstoppable. History has shown that when tyranny prevails over justice, the oppressed always rise, reclaiming their destiny. Delhi’s silence will not erase the bloodshed—each ignored wound transforms into an unyielding battle for freedom.
