UKHRUL: The Zomi constituent groups of the United People’s Front (UPF)—the Zomi Revolutionary Army (ZRA), Zou Defence Volunteers (ZDV) and Zomi Re-Unification Front (ZRF)—have rejected the positions expressed in a joint press statement issued by the UPF and Kuki National Organisation (KNO) on September 10, 2026.
In a press statement issued on Friday, the three organisations said they were neither consulted nor informed about the joint statement, and that the consent of their respective leaderships was neither sought nor obtained prior to its issuance.
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“To our knowledge, it was also not presented to the constituent members of UPF for collective consideration,” the organisations said, asserting that the positions expressed in the statement could not reasonably be regarded as a collectively mandated position of the UPF or as representing the ZRA, ZDV and ZRF.
The Zomi groups also objected to the use of the term “Kuki-Zo SoO Groups”, saying its use without prior consultation had raised questions over identity and representation in the public domain.
The organisations reiterated that their position on identity has remained consistent, stating that Zomi is the indigenous identity through which their community identifies itself. They said any collective nomenclature should be adopted only through consultation and with the consent of those concerned.
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“Our concern is not with others expressing their views but with such views being presented in a manner that may be interpreted as representing organisations that were neither consulted nor involved,” the statement said.
The groups stressed that collective representation must be based on the consent and participation of the organisations it claims to represent, saying this was essential to ensure clarity and accountability in engagements with the government and the public.
The ZRA, ZDV and ZRF further reaffirmed their commitment to an inclusive, pragmatic and non-communal approach, and to resolving political issues through peaceful and constitutional dialogue.
They maintained that differences over identity and representation should not come in the way of pursuing peace, provided there is mutual respect, understanding and meaningful consultation.
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Concluding the statement, the Zomi groups said their clarification was not intended to create or widen divisions, but to promote clarity and mutual understanding among all stakeholders and to clearly communicate their position to the government and the public.
