The Kuki-Zo Council has expressed strong discontent with the central government’s handling of the Manipur conflict, accusing it of favoring Meitei groups while ignoring justice for Kuki-Zo victims. As they prepare to submit a memorandum to the Home Minister, key decisions on movement restrictions and security concerns remain unresolved.
BY PC Bureau
Amid the ongoing ethnic conflict in Manipur, a crucial meeting of the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), Kuki MLAs, and insurgent groups that have signed the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with the central government is set to take place later today in Lamka. The meeting will focus on several pressing issues, including the recent directive issued by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, allowing “free movement” along National Highway 2 from March 8.
A similar meeting was held on February 3 to formulate a broader response to the persistent violence and tensions in the state. According to sources, after today’s deliberations, the Kuki-Zo Council may submit a memorandum to Home Minister Amit Shah and Union Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla, outlining resolutions passed during the discussions. This memorandum could propose a possible way forward regarding the free movement regime.
ALSO READ: Exclusive: Manipur Administration Direct Meitie group to Call Off “March to the Hills”
Sources indicate that one possible compromise to “respect” the Home Minister’s directive could involve allowing Meitei civilians to travel in groups—such as in convoys or buses—under the protection of neutral forces along National Highway 2 via Kangpokpi. However, the Kuki-Zo leadership is adamant that unrestricted movement of Meiteis via Churachandpur remains “out of the question.”
“It is out of the question to allow Meitei commanders or Meitei police to invade our land. We would prefer Kuki police to provide protection, but if that is not acceptable, we could agree to an escort by Assam Rifles or the Indian Army,” a senior Kuki-Zo representative stated.
Kuki-Zo Council’s Concerns Over Centre’s Approach
KZC members have expressed deep disappointment with the central government’s recent initiatives, which they claim have disproportionately addressed the concerns of Meitei groups while ignoring the key demands of the Kuki-Zo community. They emphasized the need for accountability and justice for the violence that erupted on May 3, 2023.’
ALSO READ: Myanmar Junta Airstrikes Kill 12, Displace Hundreds
“We expect the Home Minister and the Governor to take urgent steps to fix accountability for what happened on May 3, 2023. Who raped and killed our women and our people? Who set fire to our houses? Don’t forget that over 250 of our people were killed, yet not a single person has been convicted. Peace cannot be enforced at gunpoint—it must come with justice,” a KZC leader asserted.
Adding to their grievances, KZC members expressed outrage over what they see as the state administration’s legitimization of the Arambai Tenggol, a Meitei militant group. The Governor recently met with representatives of Arambai Tenggol at Raj Bhavan. After the meeting, Arambai Tenggol spokesperson spelled out their conditions for return of the looted arms.
With tensions still high in Manipur, the outcome of today’s Kuki-Zo Council meeting is expected to play a critical role in shaping the region’s response to the central government’s directives and the broader peace process.
