Kuki-Zo Leadership Condemns Govt for Reneging on Promises

The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) has expressed disappointment over the government’s failure to honor its commitment to visit Churachandpur and meet with KZC leadership within the promised 10–14 day timeframe. This assurance led to the cancellation of a planned peaceful political rally on February 18, 2025, but no follow-up action has taken place.

Reaffirming its demand for a separate administration (SA) in the form of a Union Territory with a legislature under Article 239A, the KZC has pledged to pursue this goal relentlessly until it is achieved.

The resolution was passed at a key meeting of KZC,  representatives of insurgent group under Search of Operation (SoO) agreement with the Centre, and Kuki MLA sat Churachandapaur on March 6.

PRESS RELEASE
Lamka, the 7th March 2025 pic.twitter.com/ExzTFD3fjx

— Kuki Zo Council (@kzc2024) March 7, 2025

While the Council welcomed the Ministry of Home Affairs’ (MHA) decision to enforce the free movement of essential commodities, it maintained that unrestricted movement of people across buffer zones remained untenable without a ceasefire agreement between the warring communities. “The KZC cannot guarantee safety in these areas or take responsibility for any incidents arising from unauthorized movement,” it said.

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As per Resolution No. 2 , all Kuki-Zo civil society organizations (CSOs), SoO groups, and elected representatives reaffirmed their endorsement of the KZC as the sole authority to issue press releases on matters concerning the collective interests of the Kuki-Zo people. Local issues, however, may still be addressed by regional bodies.

The KZC also raised concerns over the extension of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in the 10 hill districts, while 19 police station limits in six valley districts remain exempt. The Council asserted that a uniform application of the law is necessary to ensure the effective recovery of looted arms, particularly in the valley.

Call for Arms Submission Deadline Extension

In line with the Governor’s directive for the surrender of looted arms by March 8, 2025, the KZC has announced plans to initiate a surrender process across Kuki-Zo-inhabited districts. However, given the logistical challenges of immediate implementation, the Council has formally requested an extension of the deadline by another two weeks to facilitate proper compliance.

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The KZC remains committed to securing a political resolution through dialogue while ensuring the safety and rights of the Kuki-Zo people.

Key Demands of the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC)

• Separate Administration: The KZC demands a Union Territory with a legislature under Article 239A of the Indian Constitution.
• Security & Buffer Zones: No free movement of people across buffer zones without a formal ceasefire agreement between warring communities.
• Uniform Law Enforcement: Extension of AFSPA should be uniform across the state; selective exemptions for valley districts must end.
• Extension for Arms Surrender Deadline: Request for a two-week extension beyond March 8, 2025, to facilitate proper compliance.

Key Resolutions of the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC)

• Sole Representation: The KZC is the only authorized body to issue statements on matters concerning the collective interests of the Kuki-Zo people.
• Political Persistence: The KZC will relentlessly pursue its demand for a separate administration until granted.
• Essential Goods Movement: The Council welcomes the MHA’s directive for free movement of essential commodities, but safety across buffer zones cannot be guaranteed.
• No Forced Government Postings: Until a political solution is reached, Kuki-Zo government employees should not be posted in areas where their security cannot be ensured.
• Arms Recovery Initiative: The KZC will publicly call for the surrender of looted arms in Kuki-Zo districts but requires more time for implementation.