As a newly elected BJP-led government begins functioning in Manipur amid continued protests in the hill districts, the Centre is at an advanced stage of finalizing a peace agreement with Kuki-Zo-Hmar groups, according to a report by The Indian Express.
According to the report, the proposed deal is likely to be structured along the lines of the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA) agreement signed last week with the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organization (ENPO). That pact granted a degree of autonomy to six districts in eastern Nagaland.
The assurance of a similar arrangement for Manipur’s hill districts was among the key factors that persuaded three Kuki MLAs, including Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen, to join the new Manipur government led by Chief Minister Yumnan Khemchand Singh. However, sources said the finalization of the deal could be deferred until after the Assembly elections scheduled for next year, giving the Centre time to build broader consensus, particularly in the Meitei-dominated Imphal Valley.
Negotiations are reportedly focused on strengthening autonomy for Manipur’s hill districts under Article 371C of the Constitution, which governs hill councils in the state. This mirrors the FNTA framework in Nagaland, which was carved out under Article 371A. According to senior officials, discussions are underway to either amend Article 371C or introduce a new constitutional provision granting enhanced legislative, administrative and financial powers to hill tribes.
“This will fall short of the Kuki-Zo demand for a separate administration in the form of a Union Territory, but will meet most of their demands for administrative and financial autonomy,” the report quoted a source as saying.
A government official, as per the report, explained, “There is more or less an understanding as to what is feasible. The details are being worked out through talks with SoO groups and a deal will be signed in due course.”
The proposed arrangement may include self governance within the framework of the state Assembly, proportionate financial devolution, limited legislative authority over customary practices, jurisdiction over land and safeguards for local employment.
However, officials noted that Article 371C offers significantly fewer protections than Article 371A. While Nagaland enjoys safeguards over customary law, land and resources, Manipur’s hill councils have largely remained advisory bodies. According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, poor devolution of powers and inadequate funding have rendered many Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) ineffective over decades.
“For all practical purposes, ADCs in Manipur are non functional,” an MHA official said.
Previous attempts to strengthen these councils have either stalled or been diluted, with amendments introduced in 2000 later rolled back in 2006 and subsequent reforms proving inadequate, the report noted. (With inputs from The Indian Express)
