The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) has announced it will not participate in the formation of the new Manipur government, reiterating its demand for a separate Union Territory. The KZC cited the inability of the Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities to coexist following ethnic violence. The council stated that any community member joining the government formation would do so at their own personal responsibility. Manipur has been under President's Rule since February 2025, with ethnic clashes since May 2023 resulting in significant casualties and displacement.