Relevance: GS II (State Reorganization) & GS III (Internal Security) | Source: The Hindu

The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) is an umbrella socio-political organization formed in October 2024 to represent the Kuki-Zo tribal communities in Manipur, India. 

It serves as a collective platform to negotiate political, administrative, and security issues following the prolonged ethnic violence that began in May 2023.

The Core Issue

The Kuki-Zo Council demands a separate Union Territory (UT) with a legislature, citing “state complicity” in violence and an “existential threat” under the current Manipur administration.1

• Security Context: The MHA has warned insurgent groups (Kuki & Meitei) to strictly adhere to Suspension of Operations (SoO) ground rules (e.g., confining cadres to designated camps).2

2. Constitutional Mechanism (Article 3)

• Power: Only Parliament can create a UT/State (Simple Majority).
• Role of State: The President must refer the bill to the Manipur Assembly, but its views are not binding. Parliament can override the State’s opposition.3

3. Failed Safeguard? (Article 371C)

Manipur’s unique Article 371C empowers a Hill Areas Committee to protect tribal interests.4 The demand for a UT stems from the alleged failure of this constitutional mechanism to ensure equitable development and security.

UPSC Value Box

Q. With reference to Article 3 of the Constitution of India, consider the following statements:

1. The Parliament is bound by the views of the State Legislature when altering the boundaries of that State.
2. A Bill to reorganize a state can be introduced in the Parliament only with the prior recommendation of the President.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Correct Answer: (b)