The Kuki‑Zo Council (KZC) has demanded that President’s Rule be reimposed in Manipur, arguing that the state government has failed to protect the Kuki‑Zo community. In a press release issued on Thursday, the council urged both the central and state governments to act urgently to address a growing array of administrative, humanitarian and security concerns.
The KZC called for the immediate deployment of adequate Manipur Civil Service, Manipur Police Service and medical officers in the Tengnoupal district. It also highlighted shortages of food and essential commodities in the South West Sadar Hills of Kangpokpi, Longpi in Noney/Tamenglong, and Chassad in Kamjong. The council blamed an economic blockade by the United Naga Council (UNC) for the disruptions, claiming that supplies intended for Kuki‑Zo areas were being stopped or obstructed. It urged the government to ensure the uninterrupted movement of food, medicines and other essential goods.
Additional demands included the establishment of a Sub‑Divisional Office and Tribal Development Block in the Kana area of Chandel district, as well as a functional cold‑storage facility at Kangpokpi District Hospital to preserve mortal remains. The KZC accused the National Investigation Agency of conducting selective and disproportionate operations, summoning civilians for questioning without sufficient justification. It also insisted that the remains of Kuki‑Zo victims should not be buried until an acceptable resolution is reached, citing ongoing killings involving cadres of NSCN‑IM, ZUF‑K and Naga Village Guards.
The council has set a deadline of October 10 for the Indian government to take concrete measures on security, accountability for alleged violence and progress toward a political resolution of the Kuki‑Zo demand. It warned that failure to meet the deadline would trigger a “full‑fledged agitation” and further action to defend the rights, security and interests of the Kuki‑Zo people. The KZC noted that no Kuki‑Zo civilian has been killed during the recent period of President’s Rule, while more than 24 have reportedly been killed in attacks involving Naga armed groups since the Khemchand Singh‑led government took office.
