From electricity and roads to salaries and scholarships, the Kuki-Zo Council urged Manipur Governor A.K. Bhalla to urgently address the pressing issues affecting Kuki-Zo inhabited districts.
BY PC Bureau
August 19, 2025 — The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) presented a wide-ranging set of public grievances to Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Tuesday, calling for urgent interventions in sectors spanning infrastructure, administration, healthcare, and education. The meeting was held at the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Churachandpur , where the Governor engaged with KZC representatives for over an hour.
According to the Council, at least 16 pressing concerns were highlighted, reflecting longstanding issues faced by Kuki-Zo inhabited regions across Manipur. Among the most critical demands were the urgent upgradation of electricity capacity in Kangpokpi and Churachandpur, repair and maintenance of dilapidated roads, and immediate action on recurring landslides along the vital Tipaimukh road.
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The Council also pressed for the development of key roadways linking Churachandpur to Chandel and Kangpokpi, as well as the construction of a bridge over the Imphal River in Chandel. “Connectivity remains a lifeline for our people, yet it is where our districts are most neglected,” the memorandum emphasized.
On the administrative front, the KZC demanded the appointment of neutral officers in sensitive posts, including the Advocate General of the Manipur High Court and the Deputy Commissioner of Chandel district. It also sought rectification of anomalies within the District Transport Office, police jurisdictions, and the Land Revenue Department, which it said had created hardship and discrimination against tribal residents.
Education and employment concerns also figured prominently. The Council sought the establishment of a Manipur Public Service Examination (MPSE) centre in the hill districts, clearance of pending scholarships, and payment of more than ten months’ salary arrears to staff at Moreh College and SEMCO College in Tengnoupal and Chandel. “Our students and teachers are demoralized by neglect. Without urgent redress, the academic future of hundreds hangs in the balance,” the Council stated.
Healthcare gaps were also flagged, particularly in Moreh, where facilities were described as inadequate to meet community needs. The KZC additionally raised the unreliability of helicopter services in the hills, which often serve as the only link during emergencies.
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Governor Bhalla is reported to have assured the delegation that the matters would be looked into with due priority. The Council thanked both the Governor and the Churachandpur DC for facilitating the dialogue.
Later in the day, the KZC Cabinet paid a courtesy visit to the Director General of Assam Rifles (DGAR) at 27 Sector Headquarters in Tuibong. Discussions there focused on security and stability in Kuki-Zo areas, which remain tense in the backdrop of recurring ethnic and political unrest.
Speaking after the meetings, KZC Secretary of Information & Publicity Ginza Vualzong said the Council’s engagement with both the Governor and DGAR reflects the urgent need to safeguard the welfare and rights of Kuki-Zo communities. “This is not just about grievances—it is about ensuring justice, equity, and dignity for our people,” he said.
The KZC is expected to follow up with detailed submissions to state and central authorities in the coming weeks.
