President's rule in Manipur will facilitate political settlement: KZC
What's the story
President's Rule has been imposed in Manipur after Chief Minister N Biren Singh resigned.
The Ministry of Home Affairs released a notification saying President Droupadi Murmu will assume all functions of the state government.
The decision was taken as the state government could not function according to constitutional provisions and the Manipur assembly has been placed under suspended animation.
KZC reaction
Kuki-Zo Council welcomes President's rule in Manipur
Meanwhile, the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) welcomed the imposition of the President's Rule, hoping for political settlements and peaceful coexistence between Meitei and Kuki-Zo-Hmar tribals.
"We are hopeful it (President's Rule) would pave the way for due political settlements and peaceful coexistence (of Meitei and Kuki-Zo-Hmar tribals) as good neighbors," Khaikhohauh Gangte, secretary of the council, said.
Political criticism
KZC criticizes BJP's stance on Manipur's territorial integrity
The KZC has also slammed Sambit Patra, the Bharatiya Janata Party's northeast in-charge, for his remarks on Manipur's territorial integrity.
Gangte alleged that Meitei actions on May 3, 2023, violated this integrity through violence against the Kuki-Zo people.
The council accused the former government headed by Singh of "ethnic cleansing," resulting in demographic and physical separation between communities.
Leadership search
BJP seeks leader acceptable to all communities in Manipur
The BJP is now looking for a leader who will be palatable to all communities—Kuki-Zo-Hmar, Naga tribes, and the non-tribal Meiteis.
This comes as Kuki groups have intensified their demands from an autonomous council to a separate administration or Union Territory amid the ongoing ethnic clashes.
The World Kuki-Zo Intellectual Council observed that demands for a separate state date back to 1946-47.
Displacement issue
Displaced people from both communities yet to return home
Internally displaced people from both communities have not returned home yet.
Kuki leaders insist on discussing a "political solution" in the form of a separate administration before addressing other issues like returning displaced individuals from relief camps.
On the other hand, Meitei leaders argue that talks can proceed while people return home, emphasizing that no territory is ethnically exclusive.
Political backlash
Congress leader criticizes imposition of President's rule
Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi has slammed the imposition of the President's Rule as a "collective failure" of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah.
Gogoi said there is no roadmap for sustainable peace in Manipur and blamed President's Rule on disarray within the state BJP.
The criticism comes amid widespread discontent and allegations over leaked audio tapes hinting at Singh's role in instigating ethnic violence.