AK Mishra arrives; Kuki-Zo MLAs to back Govt formation

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Jan 13 : In a significant political develop- ment, Kuki-Zo MLAs have resolved to support the formation of a popular Government.
The resolution was passed during a meeting of Kuki-Zo MLAs held today at Khanapara, Assam, according to a well-placed source.
The meeting was attended by five Kuki-Zo MLAs viz Haokholet Kip-gen (Saitu), Nemcha Kipgen (Kangpokpi), Letzamang Haokip (Henglep), Pao-lienlal Haokip (Saikot), and Chinlungthang (Singhat).
Five Kuki-Zo MLAs who were absent included LM Khaute (Churachandpur), Vungzagin Valte (Thanlon), Kimneo Hangshing (Saikul), Ngursanglur Sanate (Tipai-mukh), and Letpao Haokip (Tengnoupal). The absentees have however endorsed the resolution adopted to support the formation of the Government.
While the Kuki-Zo MLAs expressed their commitment to working towards Government formation, they also agreed to pursue their demand for a Separate Administration, said the source.
The MLAs are expected to hold a meeting with the Kuki National Organization (KNO) and the United People's Front (UPF), the militant groups that have signed the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with the Government tomorrow, the source added.
In a related development, AK Mishra, the MHA Advisor for the North East and the Interlocutor for the tripartite talks between the Kuki militants under the SoO and the Government, arrived in Imphal today.
Unofficial reports suggested that Mishra held meetings with Kuki-Zo civil society organizations in Churachandpur and Kangpokpi following his arrival.
While the details of the meetings remain unknown, sources indicated that the MHA's move might be aimed at persuading Kuki-Zo groups not to oppose the Government formation.
It is also reported that Mishra will participate in a meeting with Kuki-Zo groups tomorrow in Assam as a representative of the MHA.
Notably, Kuki-Zo groups have been holding a series of meetings in Assam since yesterday.
Another source suggested that the installation of the new Government is likely to occur between January 21 and 28, 2026, based on the sequence of developments.
This timeline appears to be a politically prudent approach to pre-empt future criticism.
However, the composition of the new Cabinet, including the appointment of the next Chief Minister, remains undecided.
Final deliberations on this are expected to take place after January 14, 2026, said the source.
Notably, several Kuki-Zo groups have been exerting significant pressure on the Kuki-Zo MLAs to refrain from participating in the Government formation.
Of the 10 Kuki-Zo MLAs, seven belong to the BJP viz Nemcha Kipgen,  LM Khaute, Paolienlal Haokip, Letpao  Haokip, Ngursanglur Sanate, Vungzagin Valte and Letzamang Haokip.
The demand for a Separate Administration was first raised by the Kuki-Zo MLAs on May 12, 2023, just days after the current crisis erupted in Chura-chandpur in May 2023.
Although the Government has repeatedly stated that the territorial integrity of Manipur will not be compromised under any circumstances, various Kuki-Zo groups have been demanding a Separate Administration in the form of a Union Territory, similar to Puducherry.