Centre readies Kuki-Zo peace deal, on lines of Nagaland pact, Pg1

Key Highlights:

• The Central government is in advanced stages of finalizing a peace deal with Kuki-Zo tribes in Manipur, potentially similar to the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA) deal.
• The deal aims to grant greater autonomy, financial authority, and administrative power to the hill districts of Manipur under Article 371C of the Constitution.
• Three Kuki MLAs, including Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen, joined the BJP-led government in Manipur based on assurances from the Centre regarding this deal.
• The finalization of the deal may be pushed beyond the Assembly elections next year to allow time to bring the Meitei-dominated Imphal Valley on board.

Detailed Insights:

• The proposed deal draws parallels with the FNTA agreement in Nagaland, which granted autonomy to six districts via Article 371A.
• Negotiations involve amending Article 371C or adding a new chapter to grant legislative, administrative, and financial powers to hill tribes for self-governance.
• The agreement seeks to address the Kuki-Zo demand for greater administrative and financial autonomy, falling short of their call for a separate Union Territory.
• The deal may include provisions for self-governance within the State Assembly framework, with financial devolution proportionate to the hill population and geographical challenges.
• Discussions involve council jurisdiction over land, protection of jobs, and devolution of some legislative powers related to local customs.
• The Suspension of Operations (SoO) groups were informed of the deal's progress, influencing Kuki MLAs to join the government, similar to the FNTA deal's impact in Nagaland.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Article 371C: Special provision in the Constitution for Manipur, concerning the Hill Areas Committee of the Legislative Assembly.
• Article 371A: Special provision in the Constitution for Nagaland, recognizing Naga customary law and procedures.
• Autonomy: Self-governance or a degree of independence in managing internal affairs.