As Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s likely visit to Manipur on September 13 draws closer, several organisations representing the Kuki-Zo community have issued statements welcoming his presence while firmly opposing any celebratory dance programmes planned as part of the official reception. The groups have called for a solemn and empathetic approach, citing the ongoing trauma and displacement caused by the ethnic violence that has gripped the state since May 2023.
The Imphal Hmar Displaced Committee, Gangte Students’ Organisation, and apex tribal body Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) are among those who have voiced their concerns, urging the Prime Minister to meet survivors in relief camps rather than participate in ceremonial pageantry. “Our mourning is not yet over, our tears are not yet dried, our wounds are not yet healed. We cannot dance with joy,” the Hmar committee stated.
Ethnic Violence and Humanitarian Crisis
Manipur has been under President’s Rule since February 2025 following the resignation of Chief Minister N Biren Singh. The state assembly remains under suspended animation. The violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities has claimed over 260 lives and displaced more than 60,000 people. Hundreds of villages have been razed, and thousands continue to live in relief camps across the hills and valley.
| Timeline of Key Events | Description |
|---|---|
| May 3, 2023 | Ethnic clashes erupt between Meiteis and Kuki-Zo groups |
| June–December 2023 | Violence escalates; multiple districts affected |
| February 2025 | CM N Biren Singh resigns; President’s Rule imposed |
| September 2025 | PM Modi’s visit anticipated amid ongoing unrest |
Kuki-Zo Sentiment: Mourning, Not Celebration
The Kuki-Zo organisations have made it clear that while they welcome the Prime Minister’s visit, they cannot participate in celebratory events such as dance performances. The Gangte Students’ Organisation in Churachandpur echoed the sentiment, stating, “We cannot dance with tears in our eyes”.
Instead, the community hopes the visit will serve as a platform to voice grievances and seek justice. Kuki Inpi Manipur emphasized that the Prime Minister’s presence must deliver recognition of the Kuki-Zo people’s collective aspirations. “Temporary relief measures cannot substitute for a lasting settlement,” the body stated.
| Organisation | Position on PM’s Visit | Stance on Dance Events | Key Demands |
|---|---|---|---|
| Imphal Hmar Displaced Committee | Welcomes visit | Strongly opposed | Meet displaced victims |
| Gangte Students’ Organisation | Welcomes visit | Opposed | Healing and grievance redressal |
| Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) | Welcomes visit | Opposed | Political solution, justice |
Political Demands and Territorial Integrity
The Kuki-Zo community has long demanded a separate administration under Article 239A of the Constitution, which allows Parliament to create a local legislature or council of ministers. The Kuki-Zo Council reiterated this demand, stating that the community seeks a Union Territory with legislative powers to ensure self-governance and protection of their identity.
The recent extension of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement between two Kuki armed groups and the Centre included a clause affirming Manipur’s territorial integrity. KIM responded by clarifying that the clause applies only to the signatory groups and not to the wider Kuki-Zo community. “Separation from Meiteis has been a lived reality since May 3, 2023,” the organisation stated.
| Demand Area | Community Position |
|---|---|
| Territorial Integrity | Rejected by Kuki-Zo bodies |
| Political Autonomy | Demand for Union Territory |
| Peace Agreement Clauses | Applicable only to SoO signatories |
Meitei Voices and Security Concerns
While the Kuki-Zo groups focus on justice and recognition, sections of the Meitei population in the Imphal valley also view the PM’s visit as an opportunity to present their hardships. “The Prime Minister’s presence will give us a platform to share how innocent villagers have suffered because of the ethnic strife,” said Soibam Reagan, a resident of Imphal East.
Women’s organisation Imagi Meira urged Modi to direct authorities to ensure safe passage for Meiteis along national highways, which remain volatile due to the unrest. Security arrangements are being tightened across sensitive zones, including Kangla Western Gate in Imphal, where the PM is expected to arrive.
| Community | Key Concerns | Suggested Action |
|---|---|---|
| Meitei | Highway safety, displacement | PM to direct security forces |
| Kuki-Zo | Justice, autonomy, mourning | PM to meet victims, avoid pomp |
President’s Rule and Governance Vacuum
Manipur’s governance remains in limbo under President’s Rule. The state assembly, which has a tenure until 2027, has been suspended. Observers note that Modi’s visit could set the tone for future peace-building efforts and governance reforms.
The secrecy surrounding the PM’s itinerary has heightened tensions, with Naga groups launching trade embargoes and Meitei organisations pushing back against peace overtures. The visit is expected to unfold in a landscape of ethnic fragmentation and competing demands for autonomy.
| Governance Status | Details |
|---|---|
| President’s Rule | Imposed February 2025 |
| Assembly Status | Suspended animation |
| Security Forces | Deployed across districts |
| Political Climate | Ethnic fragmentation |
Conclusion
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s anticipated visit to Manipur comes at a time of deep mourning, unresolved conflict, and fragile hope. While Kuki-Zo bodies have welcomed his presence, they have firmly opposed any celebratory dance events, calling instead for empathy, justice, and meaningful engagement with displaced communities.
The visit, if it proceeds as expected, could become a turning point—either by acknowledging the fractured realities of Manipur and initiating a path to reconciliation, or by deepening divides if symbolic gestures overshadow substantive action. For now, the message from the hills is clear: “We cannot dance with tears in our eyes.”
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available news reports and official statements. All political claims and community positions are subject to verification and ongoing developments. Readers are advised to follow government releases and local advisories for accurate updates.
