In its maiden meeting with the Chief Minister, the KZC called for justice for victims of the May 3, 2023, ethnic violence as a basis for any peace process.
BY PC Bureau
March 22, 2026: The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) has asked Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh to maintain the sanctity of buffer zones separating the hill districts from the Imphal valley and to take urgent steps to de-escalate tensions between the Kuki and Tangkhul communities in Ukhrul district.
The council also emphasized the need to ensure justice for victims of the May 3, 2023, ethnic violence, which claimed over 260 lives and displaced thousands.
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In a press release, the KZC stated that on March 21, for the first time in nearly three years, the leaders of the Council and Chief Minister met in Guwahati. The meeting, which began at 7:00 PM and lasted roughly 1 hour and 45 minutes, was described as an “ice-breaking” session following prolonged conflict between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities.
During the meeting, the KZC delegation highlighted several pressing issues:
- Urgent need to de-escalate ongoing tensions between the Kuki and Tangkhul communities.
- Ensuring justice for victims of the May 3, 2023, conflict as a precondition for meaningful peace.
- Preserving the sanctity of buffer zones until a political settlement is achieved.
- Expediting resolution of high-level talks between the Ministry of Affairs and armed groups under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) framework.
The KZC reiterated that a key demand of the Kuki-Zo community is the creation of a union territory—a proposal strongly opposed by the Meitei community.
The Chief Minister shared his concerns, outlined ongoing government initiatives to restore peace, and expressed appreciation for the KZC’s proactive engagement. While no formal agreements were reached during the meeting, government sources noted that the CM called for steps to restore normalcy in the state and urged the KZC to reconsider opposition to any dismantling of buffer zones. The issue of return of the Internally Displaced Persons also figured in the talks.
The KZC described the dialogue as an important first step toward rebuilding trust and addressing longstanding grievances, signaling a cautious move toward reconciliation.
