KUKIZO OPPOSED FOR REVIEW ST STATUS
Why in the News?
- Kuki-Zo bodies oppose move to review ST status of certain tribes.
Source: India Today
- Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF) and Zomi Council Steering Committee (ZCSC) condemn the move to review ST status of Kuki-Zo communities in Manipur during ethnic conflict.
- Manipur government forms a committee to examine delisting representation, including all 34 recognized STs.
- ITLF accuses Manipur government of attempting to change ST criteria, depriving Kuki-Zo tribals of rights and land, warns of escalating conflict.
- Zomi body opposes removal of Free Movement Regime along Myanmar border, criticizes Manipur government’s efforts to shift focus from the root cause of ethnic violence.
- ZCSC demands a separate administration for the Zo people, seeking a Union Territory with a legislature under the Indian Constitution.
The Kuki Tribe:
- Resides in the northeastern regions of India, Myanmar, and Bangladesh.
- Primarily located in Manipur and Mizoram (India), Chin State (Myanmar), and Chittagong Hill Tracts (Bangladesh).
- Also referred to as Chin or Mizo people, sharing common ancestry and culture.
- Part of the broader Zo people, including the Chin and Mizo tribes.
- Boasts a diverse history, culture, and traditions, shaped by their environment in hilly and forested terrain.
- Communicates through various dialects of the Chin-Kuki-Mizo language family, belonging to the Tibeto-Burman branch of Sino-Tibetan languages.