Imphal: The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) has called for the reimposition of President’s Rule in Manipur, alleging that the state government has failed to ensure the security of the Kuki-Zo community.
In a press release issued on Thursday, the KZC urged the governments of India and Manipur to take immediate measures to address what it described as growing administrative, humanitarian and security concerns facing Kuki-Zo people.
The council demanded the immediate deployment of adequate Manipur Civil Service, Manipur Police Service and medical officers in Tengnoupal district. It also raised concerns over shortages of food and essential commodities in South West Sadar Hills in Kangpokpi, Longpi in Noney/Tamenglong and Chassad in Kamjong.
The KZC attributed the shortages to what it described as an economic blockade by the United Naga Council (UNC), alleging that supplies meant for Kuki-Zo areas had been stopped or obstructed. It called on the government to ensure uninterrupted movement of food, medicines and other essential supplies.
The council also sought the establishment of a Sub-Divisional Office and Tribal Development Block in the Kana area of Chandel district, besides a functional cold-storage facility at Kangpokpi District Hospital for preserving mortal remains.
On investigations, the KZC alleged that National Investigation Agency (NIA) operations in Kuki-Zo areas were selective and disproportionate, claiming that civilians were being summoned for questioning without adequate justification. It called for investigative agencies to act impartially and without discrimination.
The council also said the remains of Kuki-Zo victims should not be buried until an “appropriate and acceptable resolution” is reached, citing continuing killings allegedly involving cadres of NSCN-IM, ZUF-K and Naga Village Guards.
Calling for President’s Rule, the KZC claimed that no Kuki-Zo civilian had been killed during the recent period of President’s Rule, while more than 24 had reportedly been killed in attacks involving Naga armed groups since the Khemchand Singh-led government took office. The figures and allegations were made by the KZC in its statement.
The council has given the Government of India until October 10 to take concrete measures on the issues it raised, including security, accountability for alleged violence and progress towards a political resolution of the Kuki-Zo demand.
It warned that failure to meet the deadline would lead to a “full-fledged agitation” and further action in defence of what it described as the rights, security and interests of the Kuki-Zo people.
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