From ‘self-rule’ call to setting the narrative, how ITLF has become new Kuki-Zo voice in Manipur

On November 15, the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum or ITLF, a group representing the Kuki-Zo people in Manipur, served an ultimatum.

If the demand for a separate administration for the Kuki-Zos – delinked from the Meitei-dominated valley areas – was not met by the Centre in two weeks, it said the organisation will establish “self-rule” in the hill districts of Tengnoupal, Kangpokpi and Churachandpur. The deadline was announced by general secretary of the ITLF, Muan Tombing, at a protest rally held in Churachandpur. He did not substantiate what he meant by “self-rule”.

A day after Tombing’s call, the Manipur government said that the ITLF statement has “no legal or constitutional basis”. The Manipur Police filed a case against Tombing.

Since a civil war broke out in Manipur in May between the Meiteis and Kuki-Zo communities, leaving over 200 dead and thousands displaced, the state has been split down ethnic lines, with both communities confined to areas in which they are a majority.

In the days following the fierce violence, the Kuki-Zos have repeatedly demanded a complete separation from the Meitei areas – a call that has been stiffly resisted by the Meiteis.

“A separate administration from the Meitei government has always been our demand since the start of the conflict...

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