The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), the apex body of the Kuki-Zo tribal community in Manipur, has reiterated its demand for a Separate Administration in the form of a Union Territory with a Legislature. According to the KZC, this remains the only viable foundation for lasting peace, justice, security, and the protection of the community’s rights and identity.
The KZC has urged the government of India to recognize the gravity of the situation and address not only the immediate security concerns but also the underlying political issues that have emerged from the prolonged ethnic conflict in Manipur. KZC Chairman Henlianthang Thanglet stated that the ethnic crisis in Manipur cannot be resolved through security measures alone and urged the government to expedite meaningful political dialogue to address the legitimate aspirations of the Kuki-Zo people.
Thanglet alleged that over the past three years, the Kuki-Zo people have faced repeated attacks by members of both the Meitei and Naga communities in Manipur, resulting in the killing of their people, looting and burning of homes, desecration of places of worship, and displacement of tens of thousands from their ancestral lands. Despite these challenges, the Kuki-Zo community remains committed to peace, dialogue, and democratic solutions.
The KZC has submitted a five-point charter of demands to the Central government, which includes a fair, impartial, and time-bound investigation into all incidents of violence, unhindered access to healthcare services, reopening of blocked routes, strengthening of security arrangements in vulnerable areas, and effective measures to prevent further attacks. The Council has also condemned the killing of six Manipur-Naga hostages and urged for a fair, transparent, and impartial investigation into the incident.
The KZC has expressed concern over the apparent disparity between the official and media responses to the killing of the six Naga hostages and the killing of 14 Kuki-Zo civilians, including three pastors, allegedly by Naga militants since March 11, 2026. The Council has stressed that justice should be impartial and consistent to restore confidence among all communities.
The KZC leaders have urged the Centre to expedite meaningful political dialogue aimed at achieving a just and lasting political settlement that addresses the aspirations of the Kuki-Zo people. The Council has reiterated its commitment to peace, dialogue, and democratic solutions, despite the challenges faced by the Kuki-Zo community.
