In a 10-point charter, the KZC raised security concerns, alleged administrative neglect and demanded action to ensure the movement of food, medicines and other essentials through areas affected by economic blockades.
BY PC Bureau
New Delhi, September 17: The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) on Thursday demanded the immediate reimposition of President’s Rule in Manipur and issued a 10-point charter of demands to the Centre and the state government, warning of a “full-fledged agitation” if it does not receive “concrete and satisfactory measures” by October 10.
KZC spokesperson and Secretary for Information and Publicity Ginza Vualzong said the community was facing what the council described as growing administrative, humanitarian and security concerns.
The council accused the state administration of continued neglect, unequal enforcement and failure to address the security concerns of Kuki-Zo civilians and the broader political dispute.
The demand comes amid fresh killings in Tamenglong and Noney districts and escalating tensions over blockades and restrictions on the movement of essential supplies in parts of the hills.
KZC says President’s Rule provided greater security
The council made the restoration of central rule its most prominent demand, arguing that the Kuki-Zo community felt less secure under the current elected government.
President’s Rule was revoked in February 2026, when Yumnam Khemchand Singh was sworn in as chief minister. Nemcha Kipgen and Naga People’s Front leader Losii Dikho were subsequently appointed deputy chief ministers.
The KZC claimed that no Kuki-Zo civilian had been killed during the period of President’s Rule, while more than 24 had reportedly been killed in attacks it attributed to Naga armed groups since the present government took office.
“The present State Government has failed to provide the Kuki-Zo people with adequate security and confidence for peaceful coexistence,” the council said, reiterating its demand for President’s Rule.
The council had made a similar demand earlier this month, citing what it described as political exclusion and insecurity.
The state government, meanwhile, has maintained that restoring peace and normalcy remains its priority and has appealed to communities to reject violence.
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Food shortages and alleged economic blockades
Several of the KZC’s demands focus on the movement of food, medicines and other essential commodities.
The council alleged that Kuki-Zo populations in South West Sadar Hills in Kangpokpi, the Longpi area of Noney-Tamenglong and Chassad in Kamjong were facing shortages because of what it described as an economic blockade by the United Naga Council (UNC).
It called on the government to ensure the uninterrupted movement of food, medicines and other essential supplies.
READ: KZC-sep17 KZC_PressRelease_17September2026
The KZC also raised a separate allegation concerning Kamjong, claiming that Kuki-Zo residents had faced restrictions on movement between villages and an economic embargo for about six months.
The allegations come amid a separate dispute in Kamjong, where Kuki civil society organisations recently issued a 36-hour ultimatum to the district administration over what they described as prolonged economic hardship and movement restrictions. They warned of an indefinite blockade at Chassad if their demands were not addressed.
The situation subsequently escalated, with reports of a counter-blockade along National Highway-202.
Security and political demands
The KZC’s 10-point charter comes after a series of recent attacks and allegations of killings involving Kuki-Zo civilians.
The council has repeatedly accused Naga armed groups of targeting Kuki-Zo civilians, while Naga groups and other actors have disputed or presented different accounts of responsibility for violence in the region.
In its latest statement, the KZC argued that continued insecurity, administrative restrictions and unresolved political issues could not continue indefinitely.
It has therefore set October 10 as the deadline for the Centre and the Manipur government to demonstrate what it considers concrete action.
The council warned that failure to meet its demands would lead to a “full-fledged agitation”, raising the possibility of further political and civil-society mobilisation across Kuki-Zo areas.
