Security forces were deployed outside the residence of Henlianthang Thanglet, chairman of the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), on Monday after a group of mostly local youths allegedly tried to storm his house. The situation was brought under control after security personnel intervened and dispersed the crowd, preventing escalation.
The incident came a day after a key meeting between Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh and Kuki-Zo Council leaders in Guwahati. The meeting, held in Assam, lasted about one hour and 45 minutes and marked the first formal engagement between the state government and the council since ethnic violence broke out in 2023.
According to an official statement, the meeting was seen as an initial step toward dialogue after nearly three years of tensions between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. Key concerns raised by the council formed the basis of discussions.
The Kuki-Zo Council delegation highlighted tensions involving the Kuki and Tangkhul communities and called for measures to address the situation. It also emphasized the need for justice for victims of the violence, stating that accountability is crucial for any peace process.
The delegation further demanded continuation of the buffer zone until a political solution is reached. It also referred to ongoing Suspension of Operations (SoO) talks and urged that the process be accelerated to restore stability.
Responding to these concerns, the Chief Minister outlined steps taken by the government to maintain law and order and acknowledged the council’s willingness to engage in dialogue.
No agreements were reached during the meeting, indicating that discussions are still at a preliminary stage.
Ethnic violence in Manipur began on May 3, 2023, following protests over demands for Scheduled Tribe status for the Meitei community. Subsequent clashes between Meitei and Kuki-Zo groups led to casualties, large-scale displacement, and damage to property. Security forces were deployed in affected areas, with restrictions imposed in several districts to control the unrest.
