The council demanded an NIA probe into the killing of three senior church leaders and called for immediate rescue of civilians allegedly still being held captive.
BY PC Bureau
The three-page memorandum, dated May 16, 2026, addressed to the Prime Minister’s Office and copied to the Governor of Manipur, paints a grim picture of deteriorating law and order, severe movement restrictions, shortages of essential commodities, and deepening ethnic tensions that the council says threaten the very survival of the Kuki-Zo people.
Signed by KZC Chairman Chenlianthang Thanglet and General Secretary Thangzamang, the memorandum warns that the prevailing situation in Manipur “continues to deteriorate alarmingly, threatening not only lives and property but also the fragile peace and stability of the entire region.”
Brutal Killings and Breakdown of Law and Order
The memorandum begins by highlighting the worsening security situation in the hill districts, citing repeated incidents of violence, bombings, arson, killings, and targeted attacks on Kuki-Zo villages, particularly in Ukhrul district.
The council referred specifically to the recent ambush in which three senior church leaders of the Kuki-Zo community were killed, allegedly by the NSCN-IM proxy group ZUF-Kamson.
“This heinous incident has further escalated tensions between the Naga and Kuki-Zo communities, leading to hostage-like situations and raising serious fears of a large-scale communal conflict if urgent intervention is not undertaken,” the memorandum stated.
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The KZC urged the Centre to ensure the immediate rescue of those still allegedly being held captive and demanded that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) conduct an investigation into the killings “at the earliest possible time, so that justice may be delivered and confidence restored among the affected communities.”
Demand for Humanitarian Relief and Safe Connectivity
Citing ongoing tensions with both Meitei and Naga groups, the memorandum stated that residents of Kangpokpi district are facing “extreme restrictions on movement,” making access to medical care, emergency evacuation, and essential travel increasingly difficult.
To address the crisis, the council requested dedicated helicopter services along three critical routes:
- Churachandpur–Kangpokpi
- Kangpokpi–Silchar
- Churachandpur–Moreh
According to the memorandum, such connectivity would provide “much-needed humanitarian relief” and ensure access to healthcare, emergency transport, and evacuation services.
The council also highlighted acute shortages of essential commodities in Kuki-Zo areas, especially Kangpokpi district, due to disrupted transportation routes and insecurity along highways.
It appealed to the Government of India to ensure uninterrupted movement of goods through the Silchar route under adequate security protection to prevent further humanitarian distress.
Security Deployment and Educational Concerns
To prevent further escalation between Naga and Kuki-Zo communities, the KZC demanded the immediate deployment of additional central security forces along sensitive boundary areas and buffer zones in the hill districts.
The memorandum also highlighted the difficulties faced by Kuki-Zo students and job aspirants who are reportedly unable to safely travel to examination centres located in Meitei- or Naga-dominated regions.
The council requested the relocation or establishment of centres for major competitive examinations, including SSC exams, in safer locations within Churachandpur and Kangpokpi districts so that students do not lose educational and employment opportunities because of the ongoing conflict.
READ: Kuki-Zo Council’s Memorandum to PM Modi
Core Political Demand: Union Territory with Legislature
At the heart of the memorandum is the Kuki-Zo community’s long-standing political demand for a separate administrative arrangement in the form of a Union Territory with legislature.
The council argued that prolonged ethnic violence has “deeply fractured relations” among the Meitei, Naga, and Kuki-Zo communities, making peaceful coexistence under the current administrative framework “increasingly difficult.”
“The Kuki-Zo people firmly believe that a lasting and peaceful solution to the Manipur crisis lies in the creation of separate administrative arrangements for the three major communities — the Meitei, the Naga, and the Kuki-Zo,” the memorandum stated.
Describing the situation as an “existential threat,” the KZC reiterated that separation from the present administrative structure had become essential for the survival, security, and dignity of the Kuki-Zo people.
The memorandum noted that discussions on the issue are already underway between Kuki-Zo Suspension of Operations (SoO) groups and the Ministry of Home Affairs.
“We therefore humbly and earnestly request your Honourable Office to grant Union Territory status with Legislature to the Kuki-Zo people in order to ensure lasting peace, stability, justice, and security in the region,” the memorandum concluded.
Continuing Crisis in Manipur
The letter concluded on a note of hope, expressing faith in the Prime Minister’s leadership and appealing for “urgent and compassionate steps” to address the plight of the Kuki-Zo people.
Manipur has remained engulfed in ethnic violence since May 2023, primarily involving clashes between the valley-based Meitei community and the hill-based Kuki-Zo tribes. The conflict has resulted in hundreds of deaths, widespread displacement, destruction of homes and churches, and deep territorial and political divisions across the state.
While a fragile calm has been maintained in some areas through the deployment of central forces and periodic peace talks, sporadic violence, blockades, and targeted attacks continue to erupt across several hill districts, with tensions increasingly involving Naga groups as well.
The Kuki-Zo Council, headquartered in Lamka (Churachandpur), describes itself as the apex body representing the interests of the Kuki-Zo people across Manipur. Its latest memorandum comes amid growing demands for both immediate humanitarian relief and a long-term political settlement.
Copies of the memorandum were also submitted to the Governor of Manipur, signalling the council’s attempt to keep constitutional authorities informed of the worsening situation.
Kuki-Zo Council Memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi
(Dated 16 May 2026 – Ref: KZC/PMO/30/2026)
No. | Demand | Details |
|---|---|---|
1 | Immediate Investigation & Rescue | NIA probe into the brutal killing of three senior Kuki-Zo church leaders by alleged NSCN-IM proxy (ZUF-Kamson group) in Ukhrul district; safe rescue of all hostages to prevent large-scale communal conflict. |
2 | Dedicated Helicopter Services | Arrange regular helicopter connectivity for Kuki-Zo areas on these routes: • Churachandpur – Kangpokpi • Kangpokpi – Silchar • Churachandpur – Moreh (For medical emergencies, essential travel & evacuation) |
3 | Uninterrupted Supply of Essentials | Guarantee safe movement of food, medicine and daily commodities to Kangpokpi district, especially via the Silchar route, with adequate security escort. |
4 | Deployment of Central Security Forces | Deploy adequate central forces along sensitive boundary areas and buffer zones between Naga and Kuki-Zo communities in the hill districts to prevent further violence. |
5 | Relocation of Examination Centres | Shift SSC and all major competitive examination centres to safe locations inside Churachandpur and Kangpokpi districts so Kuki-Zo students are not forced to travel through hostile areas. |
6 | Separate Union Territory with Legislature | Grant Union Territory status with full legislature to the Kuki-Zo people as a permanent political solution to ensure their security, survival and peaceful coexistence. |
