The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) has submitted a memorandum to Narendra Modi seeking urgent intervention from the Government of India over what it described as a worsening humanitarian, security and political crisis faced by the Kuki-Zo community in Manipur.
The memorandum, dated May 16 and signed by KZC chairman Henlianthang Thanglet, stated that the prevailing situation in Manipur has continued to deteriorate, posing serious threats to civilian lives, property and regional stability.
The KZC alleged that Manipur has witnessed repeated incidents of violence, bombings, killings, arson and targeted attacks against Kuki-Zo villages, particularly in Ukhrul district.
Referring to the recent killing of three senior church leaders of the Kuki-Zo community, the memorandum claimed that the attack was allegedly carried out by the NSCN-IM proxy group ZUF-Kamson. The organisation said the incident had escalated tensions between the Naga and Kuki-Zo communities and created fears of wider communal conflict.
The council urged the Centre to ensure the safe rescue of those allegedly still being held captive and demanded a probe by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) into the killing of the church leaders.
The KZC said Kuki-Zo people, especially in Kangpokpi district, are facing severe movement restrictions due to tensions with both Meitei and Naga communities.
To address emergency and humanitarian needs, the council requested dedicated helicopter services on the Churachandpur-Kangpokpi, Kangpokpi-Silchar and Churachandpur-Moreh routes. The organisation said such connectivity would help civilians access healthcare, emergency evacuation and essential travel services.
The memorandum also highlighted shortages of essential commodities in Kangpokpi district due to disruptions in transport and supply routes. The KZC appealed to the Government of India to ensure uninterrupted transportation of essential goods to Kuki-Zo areas, particularly through the Silchar route, with adequate security arrangements.
Expressing concern over rising tensions between Naga and Kuki-Zo communities, the council urged the Centre to deploy adequate central security forces along sensitive boundary areas and buffer zones to prevent further violence and destruction.
The organisation further stated that many Kuki-Zo students are unable to safely travel to examination centres located in Meitei or Naga-dominated areas because of the prevailing security situation. It requested that major examination centres, including those for SSC and other competitive examinations, be shifted or established in safer locations within Churachandpur and Kangpokpi districts.
The KZC also reiterated its long-standing demand for a separate administrative arrangement for the Kuki-Zo community.
According to the memorandum, the ongoing conflict has severely damaged relations among the Meitei, Naga and Kuki-Zo communities, making peaceful coexistence under the present administrative structure increasingly difficult.
The council stated that the Kuki-Zo people believe a lasting solution lies in separate administrative arrangements for the three major communities of Manipur — the Meitei, the Naga and the Kuki-Zo.
The organisation further said the Kuki-Zo community has already submitted a demand for a Union Territory with Legislature and discussions are ongoing between Suspension of Operations (SoO) groups and the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The memorandum appealed to the Prime Minister to grant Union Territory status with Legislature for the Kuki-Zo people to ensure peace, security and stability in the region.
