Kuki-Zo Christians in India seek federal rule after deadly violence

Indigenous Kuki-Zo Christians in India’s northeastern Manipur state have demanded the restoration of direct federal rule after 32 members of their community were killed following the return of a Hindu nationalist-led state government. Community leaders say violence has intensified since the federal government ended direct administration in February and restored an elected coalition government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janapa Party (BJP).

The community has called for the reimposition of President’s Rule, an Indian constitutional provision allowing the federal government to temporarily take direct control of a state when its elected administration cannot function according to constitutional requirements. Federal authorities initially imposed the measure in February 2025 after the resignation of then-Chief Minister N. Biren Singh amid widespread ethnic violence and criticism of his government’s failure to restore peace.

Kuki-Zo Council spokesperson Ginza Vualzong said no civilians from his community had been killed during the period of direct federal administration. He urged Modi’s government to restore the arrangement to protect the safety, security and dignity of Kuki-Zo Christians. The Kuki-Zo Women’s Forum said 12 of the 32 community members killed since the restoration of elected government were women, including two pregnant women.

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