The Kuki-Zo Council Speaks Out: The KZC condemns BJP leader Sambit Patra’s remarks on Manipur, asserting that the real division began with the May 3, 2023, attacks. As ethnic tensions remain high, the Council calls for a lasting political solution under President’s Rule.
BY PC Bureau
The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) has strongly criticized BJP leader Sambit Patra’s recent remarks on Manipur’s territorial integrity, accusing him of ignoring the real cause of the state’s division. Patra, the BJP’s northeast in-charge, stated on February 14, 2025, that there would be “no compromise on Manipur’s borders” and that illegal infiltration would be dealt with severely.
In response, the Kuki-Zo Council accused the Meitei community of already violating Manipur’s territorial integrity on May 3, 2023, when widespread violence erupted against the Kuki-Zo people.
“Sambit Patra may be unaware—or has chosen not to be aware—that Meitei groups physically violated Manipur’s territorial integrity on May 3, 2023, when they massacred Kuki-Zo civilians, burned churches, destroyed homes, and forcibly displaced our people from the Imphal Valley,” the KZC said in a statement released on Saturday.
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The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) is an apex body representing various Kuki-Zo tribal communities in Manipur, India. Formed in October 2024, the KZC serves as the highest decision-making platform, comprising representatives from major organizations such as the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF) and Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM).
The council was established to address the political, social, and cultural concerns of the Kuki-Zo people, particularly in response to escalating ethnic tensions and violence in the region. In recent times, the KZC has been actively advocating for the rights and safety of its communities, including:
The KZC further stated that the ethnic cleansing led by former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh had demographically and physically separated the Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities.
“Kuki-Zo are not separatists; the Meiteis have separated Kuki-Zo from Manipur,” the statement added.
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The statement, issued by KZC Secretary (Information) K. Gangate, highlighted the devastating impact of the conflict, stating that more than 250 Kuki-Zo people lost their lives, over 7,000 homes were destroyed, more than 360 places of worship were burned or demolished, and over 40,000 Kuki-Zo people were displaced from their homes.Support for President’s Rule
Given this backdrop, the Kuki-Zo Council has welcomed the imposition of President’s Rule, calling it a positive step toward justice.
“The Kuki-Zo Council views this as an opportunity for the Indian government to take meaningful steps toward a fair political settlement and peaceful coexistence.”
Reactions from Other Tribal Organizations
The Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF) and Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) also reacted positively to the imposition of President’s Rule.
The ITLF urged the central government to address the grievances of the Kuki-Zo people and ensure justice for the victims of the violence.
KIM reiterated its stance that the violence and demographic separation were orchestrated by the Meitei community and called for a thorough investigation into the events of May 3, 2023.
