Aizawl: The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) has set October 10, 2026, as a deadline for the Centre and the government of Manipur to take concrete measures on a range of administrative, humanitarian and security concerns affecting the Kuki-Zo community in Manipur.
In a press release issued on September 17, the KZC listed 10 demands, including the immediate deployment of Manipur Civil Service, Manipur Police Service and medical officers in Tengnoupal, uninterrupted supply of food and essential commodities to several Kuki-Zo areas, action over an alleged economic embargo in Kamjong and improved administrative arrangements in the Kana area of Chandel.
The council also demanded a functional cold-storage facility at Kangpokpi District Hospital and raised concerns over National Investigation Agency (NIA) operations in Kuki-Zo areas.
The KZC said Kuki-Zo communities in South West Sadar Hills in Kangpokpi, the Longpi area of Noney-Tamenglong and Chassad in Kamjong were facing severe shortages of food and essential commodities. It attributed the shortages to what it described as an economic blockade imposed by the United Naga Council, alleging that supplies meant for Kuki-Zo areas had been stopped or obstructed.
The council called on the government to ensure uninterrupted movement of food, medicines and other essential supplies.
In Kamjong, the KZC alleged that Kuki-Zo people in several areas had faced an economic embargo and restrictions on movement between villages for the past six months. It said the restrictions had affected livelihoods, access to essential commodities and medical treatment, and alleged that repeated appeals to the district administration had not resulted in effective measures.
In Chandel’s Kana area, the council demanded the establishment of a Sub-Divisional Office and Tribal Development Block, citing administrative disparities and the need for improved governance and public service delivery.
The KZC also sought the immediate establishment of a functional cold-storage facility at Kangpokpi District Hospital for preservation of mortal remains where required.
On NIA operations, the council expressed concern over what it described as selective and disproportionate operations in Kuki-Zo areas. It alleged that civilians were frequently summoned for questioning without adequate justification and called for investigative agencies to act impartially and without discrimination against any community.
The council also said the mortal remains of Kuki-Zo victims should not be buried until an appropriate and acceptable resolution is reached. In making the demand, it alleged that continuing killings involved cadres of NSCN-IM, ZUF-K and Naga Village Guards of Manipur.
The KZC has further called for the reimposition of President’s Rule in Manipur, saying the present state government has failed to provide adequate security and confidence to the Kuki-Zo people.
The council claimed that no Kuki-Zo civilian was killed during the recent period of President’s Rule, while alleging that more than 24 people had been killed in attacks involving Naga armed groups since the present government headed by Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh assumed office.
The council has also sought a clear and substantive update on the status and progress of the Kuki-Zo political demand and concrete steps towards what it described as an “appropriate and acceptable political resolution”.
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It has asked the Centre to address the issues listed in its statement by October 10, ensure the safety and protection of the Kuki-Zo people and hold accountable those responsible for alleged atrocities and violence.
The KZC warned that failure to take what it considers concrete and satisfactory measures by October 10 would lead to a “full-fledged agitation” and further courses of action in defence of the rights, security and interests of the Kuki-Zo people.
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