The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) has expressed serious concern over what it described as selective security operations, unequal treatment in investigations, and the continued hardships faced by Kuki-Zo communities in Manipur.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the council condemned the killing of six Naga hostages, describing the incident as tragic and unacceptable. It asserted that the act was neither authorised nor endorsed by any Kuki-Zo political or community leadership and called for those responsible to be brought to justice through a fair and transparent investigation.
At the same time, the KZC alleged that the killings of 14 Kuki-Zo civilians, including three pastors, by suspected NSCN-IM and ZUF-K militants since March 11 this year had not received the same level of attention from authorities. The council also claimed that more than 45 houses in eight Kuki-Zo villages were burnt during attacks allegedly carried out by the same groups.
The council recalled that 21 Naga hostages held by Kuki-Zo groups were released following the abduction of seven Kuki-Zo individuals in March, describing the move as a gesture of goodwill. It also welcomed the recent release of 14 Kuki-Zo hostages by the United Naga Council and said both communities had demonstrated restraint during tense situations.
Expressing concern over ongoing security operations, the KZC alleged that innocent villagers were being subjected to harassment and intimidation during search and cordon operations conducted by security forces. It claimed that operations in areas such as Ebenezer Camp and Leilon Vaiphei were carried out without prior coordination with Suspension of Operations (SoO) groups or local authorities, thereby creating tension on the ground.
The council further alleged that extensive security operations had been concentrated in Kuki-Zo areas following the killing of the Naga hostages, while there had been limited visible action against suspected Naga militant groups despite repeated attacks on Kuki-Zo villages and civilians.
The KZC also raised concerns about the security situation in Kangpokpi district and questioned the effectiveness of preventive measures taken by the administration. It specifically referred to reports that Superintendent of Police Rahul Gupta was not stationed in the district despite prevailing security challenges.
The council highlighted humanitarian concerns, including the case of three Kuki-Zo youths who were injured in an alleged militant attack at Leilon Munlui village on June 15. One of the injured, Paogoulal Chongloi, a member of Mohun Bagan Super Giant, reportedly requires advanced medical treatment. According to the council, the injured youths were shifted from RIMS, Imphal, to Churachandpur District Hospital after protests reportedly emerged over their treatment at the hospital.
The KZC also alleged that Kuki-Zo villages in parts of Kamjong and Kangpokpi districts were facing shortages of food and essential commodities due to restrictions on movement and disruptions of supply routes. It claimed that the situation had created significant humanitarian challenges for affected residents.
In its statement, the council called on the Government of India and the Government of Manipur to ensure impartial investigations into all incidents of violence, take action against militant groups responsible for attacks on civilians, end selective security operations, reopen blocked routes, and guarantee access to healthcare, food, medicines and other essential services.
Reiterating its long-standing demand, the Kuki-Zo Council said the experiences of violence, displacement and insecurity over the past three years had strengthened its demand for a Separate Administration in the form of a Union Territory with Legislature. The council argued that a lasting solution to the conflict would require addressing both immediate security concerns and broader political issues through a durable political settlement.
