Kuki-Zo tribe proposes referendum for Union Territory in Manipur

The Kuki-Zo tribe in Manipur has proposed a draft referendum to create a Union Territory from the hill districts, governed by the central government. This follows a recent youth's death during a clash with security forces. The draft referendum asks Kuki-Zo residents if they support forming a Union Territory to ensure safety and development. This could be the second such referendum in Northeast India since a 1951 plebiscite involving the Naga people. In related news, the Kuki-Zo Council has ended an indefinite shutdown in parts of Manipur after the youth's death on March 8, which was linked to tensions over movement between the hills and the valley.