A clear, neutral, and structured comparison of the Scheduled Tribe (ST) status of Kuki, Zo, and Naga groups in India, with special focus on Manipur and the North-East.
COMPARISON: KUKI vs ZO vs NAGA – SCHEDULED TRIBE (ST)
STATUS
1. Core Difference at a Glance
|
Aspect |
Kuki |
Zo |
Naga |
|
Nature of
Identity |
Legal–Political
+ Ethnic |
Ethno-linguistic
(Cultural) |
Legal–Political
+ Ethnic |
|
Mention in ST
List |
✅ Yes (as “Any Kuki Tribes”) |
❌ No (as “Zo” not listed) |
✅ Yes (tribe-wise) |
|
Constitutional
Recognition |
✅ Direct |
❌ Indirect |
✅ Direct |
|
Used in
Official Records |
✅ Yes |
❌ Rarely |
✅ Yes |
|
Homeland
Concentration |
Manipur,
Mizoram, Assam, Tripura |
Manipur,
Mizoram, Myanmar |
Nagaland,
Manipur, Assam, Arunachal |
|
Administrative
Councils |
ADCs in Manipur |
None as “Zo” |
Village
Republic, Tribal Councils |