The chairman of the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), Henlianthang Thanglet, warned that including ten Kuki-Zo MLAs in Manipur’s state government could lead to chaos. The state has faced ethnic violence since 2023. Mr. Thanglet said the people remain “emotional and sentimental” after the unrest. Manipur is currently under President’s Rule, imposed on February 13, 2025. The Centre is considering restoring the popular government, but Mr. Thanglet said, “It is not healthy at this point to have a popular government. It would be better if the President’s Rule continued for another year.” The Kuki-Zo MLAs even wrote to the Prime Minister seeking a separate administration. There are ten Kuki-Zo MLAs in the 60-member assembly, including seven from the BJP. Violence erupted in May 2023 between the Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities. Buffer zones were created to keep the groups apart. The tension has disrupted travel on National Highway-2, a key road connecting the valley districts. Mr. Thanglet said the highway is “not the property of Kuki-Zos, Meiteis or the Nagas.” Free movement still faces security challenges. On governance under President’s Rule, Mr. Thanglet said security has improved. He added, “If a popular government is there, it may reignite the violence.” He noted the Ministry of Home Affairs extended a suspension of operations agreement with Kuki-Zo insurgent groups in September 2025. Dialogue is ongoing about land rights and other issues. Mr. Thanglet expressed hope the Centre may agree to a separate Union Territory with legislature for the Kuki-Zo areas in the future. The recent ethnic violence killed around 250 people and displaced 60,000. Only about 9,000 have returned home recently. Mr. Thanglet said most Kuki-Zo victims cannot return yet, urging the Governor to provide police and central forces to ensure safety. “We cannot send them back right now,” he added.