In a meeting with Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, the Kuki Zo Council reiterated its demand for a separate administration under Article 239(A) to ensure lasting peace. Highlighting the devastating impact of ongoing violence, the council emphasized the urgency of political talks and neutral security forces.
BY PC Bureau
he Kuki Zo Council (KZC), the apex political body for the Kuki-Zo community, met with newly-appointed Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Tuesday, reiterating their demand for a separate administration in the form of a Union Territory with a legislature under Article 239(A) of the Indian Constitution to ensure lasting peace in the state.
The meeting, held at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office in Churachandpur, included the submission of a memorandum to the Governor. While the Governor emphasized that peace must precede any resolution, the KZC urged the central government to expedite political talks with groups under the Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement and to establish a separate administration.
#Churachandpur: In a press release issued today, the Kuki-#Zo Council, the highest political body for the Kuki-Zo community, shared details of a meeting with #AjayKumarBhalla, the newly appointed #Governor of #Manipur. The #KukiZoCouncil also used the opportunity to highlight… pic.twitter.com/tWE1nd1Sxq
— Ukhrul Times (@ukhrultimes) January 7, 2025
“While the Governor assured neutrality in maintaining law and order, the Council strongly advocated for urgent political dialogue and a separate administrative framework,” said Khaikhohuah Gangte, Secretary Information of the KZC.
The KZC delegation detailed the ongoing security crisis, noting that over 220 Kuki-Zos have lost their lives, nearly 7,000 homes have been destroyed, 360 places of worship have been demolished, and around 40,000 people have been displaced over the past 18 months.
“As a marginalized minority, we are under constant threat from militant groups like Arambai Tenggol and the proscribed UNLF, who possess significant arsenals acquired across borders or looted from state armories. These groups openly declare their intent to either kill us or displace us from our lands,” the delegation told the Governor.
The Council also stressed the need for deploying neutral security forces, arguing that personnel from both the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities should be excluded from sensitive areas to ensure impartiality.
Additionally, the Zomi Students’ Federation submitted a memorandum to the Governor, highlighting challenges faced by students, issues related to the Churachandpur Medical College, and the need for a central government office in the district.
Later, Governor Bhalla visited the Sadhbhavna Mandap relief camp in Tuibong, where he interacted with displaced residents and distributed relief materials.
