UKHRUL, NOVEMBER 21: The Zomi groups of the United People’s Front (UPF) has issued a clarification against the alleged media campaign against the Zomi in general and the Zomi groups of UPF (ZRA, ZDV, and ZRF) in particular, terming it “ill-intended” to undermine the Zomi.
Read Full Statement:
The Zomi groups of UPF are compelled by the emerging circumstances and responded to the recent aggressive media campaign against the Zomi in general and the Zomi groups of UPF (ZRA, ZDV, and ZRF) in particular as we strive for a peaceful political solution. Most of the allegations levelled against us through national and international media houses and various social media platforms are unfounded, twisted statements and ill-intended to undermine the Zomi and derail the peace process.
Our Journey for a Peaceful Political Solution: Our journey towards a peaceful political solution was initiated when the ZRO/ZRA established the groundwork for the current Suspension of Operations (SoO) in Manipur by responding positively to the Indian Army’s proposal to abandon armed insurgency. Subsequently, a peaceful process for a political solution was adopted. Notably, for the first time in Manipur’s history, the ZRA signed the SoO agreement with the Government of India, represented by the Ministry of Defence, on 1st August 2005 in New Delhi.
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In adherence to an inclusive and non-communal policy, the ZRO/ZRA assumed a proactive role in inviting other armed groups within the Zo kindred tribes. Consequently, the UPF (a non-communal name) was established in Aizawl on August 12, 2006 under the leadership of Pu Thanglianpau President, ZRO. Subsequently, the UPF and KNO/KNA, respectively, signed Suspension of Operation (SoO) Agreements with the Government of India on October 8, 2006, and a Tripartite SoO on August 22, 2008, in New Delhi.
Since its inception, the three primary principles of the United People’s Front (UPF) have been non-communal approaches, issue-based strategies, and inclusive policies. Regrettably, the Kuki groups within the UPF have exploited internal discord within ZRO/ZRA, which was orchestrated by Calvin H. (ex-Vice President ZRO) on November 10, 2018, thereby violating the established UPF principles through their engagement in divisive communal activities. Since that time, no UPF meetings, assembly, leadership elections, or spokesperson appointments have taken place. Consequently, the UPF is operationally defunct, and any actions or declarations made in its name are deemed unconstitutional. The government may continue to recognise the UPF and the KNO as the official conglomerates representing the SoO groups; however, it is important to note that the UPF (Kuki groups) advocates solely for the Kuki community, whereas the UPF (Zomi groups) persists in promoting inclusive, non-communal approaches as the most effective strategy for fostering internal peace, harmony, and collective political stability.
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On the Issue of Identity: Without discrediting some sections of our people who continue to use colonial names (Kuki/Lushai/Chin) for convenience, we acknowledge that Zomi (also known as Zo people, Zosuan, or Zofate) is our true, original, and indigenous identity, which is embedded in our ethos, culture, traditions, and every aspect of our lives. Numerous oral and written records predating the colonial era are being researched and documented today by various scholars. ‘Mizo‘ and ‘Zomi‘ are interchangeable, except for their contexts. The term ‘Kuki-Zo‘ does not represent our identity; it is a recent term created for convenience by KNO and Kuki groups of UPF only. In fact, within the purview of SoO, Kuki-Zomi-Hmar is used to refer to SoO groups.
On the matter of identity, the Joint Meeting of UPF and KNO at VTE Rengkai on 29th June, 2018, unanimously decided against enforcing identity labels upon each other (a reaffirmation of the 1998 Kuki-Zomi Peace Accord). However, the Joint Drafting team’s proposal couldn’t be pursued when Kuki groups of the UPF and KNO took a dogmatic stand on naming the TC as Kukiland TC at a meeting on July 10, 2018, at Kangpokpi. Post the May 3, 2023, state-sponsored ethnic cleansing pogrom, the people’s movement for Separate Administration has been consistently hampered on the identity issue.
The Core Committee on Separate Administration, the Joint Innpi, the Zo United, the Joint Student Body, etc., couldn’t function effectively. The Zo United (ZU) was formed by the joint meeting of all CSOs, MLA’s and SoO groups on September 20, 2023 at Aizawl with the blessings of CYMA. The tasks of ZU were to streamline relief and spearhead public movements for separate administration. The Joint Meeting of SoO groups, and MLAs at Guwahati on July 17, 2024, mandated ZO United (ZU) as the apex CSO for political and social issues; however, in the same month, Kuki groups withdrew on communal grounds and formed KZC to espouse Kuki’s identity. So KZC is not a consensus platform.
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In such an unfortunate situation, the Zomi groups of UPF believe that the naming issue shouldn’t hinder the peace process, and the best model for us is the creation of Meghalaya state, where the Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo communities coexist and thrive together.
On our Political Demands: While the KNO demanded Kuki statehood, the then UPF adopted pragmatic approaches and submitted the Autonomous Hill State (AHS) under Art. 244A of the Indian Constitution. The proposal was within the ambit of the SoO ground rules, constitutionally valid, and fundamentally sound for the equitable development of the Hills and Valley and peaceful coexistence. When political discussions began in 2017, the government proposed the Autonomous Territorial Council (BTC Model) based on the 6th Schedule of the Indian Constitution. After the May 3, 2023, pogrom, our collective demand is for a UT with the Legislature (Pondicherry model) based on the clear separation established on all counts. The Zomi Groups of UPF will continue to strive for our collective demand until the people decide otherwise. No political agreement will be signed that does not recognise and respect Zomi identity and protect our land and resources.
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Appeal for sensitivity: In view of the facts and circumstances stated above, we appeal to all authorities, including government entities, media representatives, brothers in arms, social media handlers and users, scholars, and researchers, to be sensible and refrain from sharing unverified content that could derail the peace process.
i) That, UPF, has been functionally defunct since 2018. The Zomi groups of UPF is not a part and parcel of UPF (which becomes Kuki UPF). In any case there is not a term called Spokesperson in the Constitution which means that it is a self-appointed designation. So, in any case Spokesperson can’t represent the whole Organisation. Any press release or statement from UPF or views expressed by the so-called spokesperson do not represent us, nor do we endorse his views or share our opinion and stance on any issues.
ii) The Zomi Council (conglomerate of eight tribes) and its frontal organisations are our civil societies. The ZRO/ZRA and Zomi CSOs do not recognise Kuki-Zo as our identity, nor do we support them as our official body for the movement for separate administration. In the recent Nampi Conclave held in Guwahati on November 14 and 15, 2025, neither the three Zomi groups nor the Zomi Civil Society Organisation sent a representative. The UPF Constitution states that leaders must be informed, discussions held, and consent obtained; however, top leaders were not consulted this time, nor is the sponsorship known. Despite this, the two spokespersons proceeded to convene a conclave without the consent of the top leaders. For these reasons, none of us participated in or supported the recent Nampi Conclave in Guwahati on November 14-15, 2025.
iii) While addressing the SoO Groups, the Zomi groups of UPF should be referred to as Zomi SoO Groups or Zomi Groups of UPF. Additionally, the term ‘Kuki-Zomi-Hmar‘ should be used when addressing all the SoO groups.
iv)The persistent efforts to undermine the Zomi in the pre and post May 3, 2023, pogrom will not deter us in our struggle for political survival. In fact, we have been emboldened by such challenges.
v) We will continue to promote non-communal and inclusive approaches and reject all forms of supremacy measures.
vi) Any solution that doesn’t recognise and respect Zomi identity, history, culture, land, and resources is unacceptable. We want a solution that fosters mutual respect and peaceful coexistence as good neighbours with other communities.
vii) Despite our minor differences, the Zomi groups of UPF remain committed to collaborating with the Zo kindred tribes in a spirit of mutual respect, unity, and love.
viii) We acknowledge the commendable efforts of Zomi worldwide, and prayers of the Zomi prayer warriors.
The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is the Almighty God of the Zomi, who has never forsaken us and continuously performs wonders at every step we have taken so far. With His blessings, we will overcome someday.