Kuki-Zo Council Warns Manipur CM Against Traveling Through Buffer Zones Amid Tensions

The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) has issued a press release urging Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh to reconsider his proposed travel through Kangpokpi district on December 18, 2024, to attend the “Robvena Ni” festival in Senapati. While the Council acknowledges and respects the celebration of Robvena Ni and does not oppose the CM’s participation as a guest, it raised concerns over the potential risks associated with his visit.

The Kuki-Zo Council strongly criticized the Chief Minister's actions, citing his involvement in the ongoing violence against the minority Kuki-Zo people. It claimed that under N. Biren Singh’s leadership, the Meitei State Government, in alliance with Meitei extremist groups, has perpetrated a series of acts against the Kuki-Zo community. The Council highlighted that this has led to heightened tensions, and the presence of the CM in the region could potentially incite further unrest.

"Given the volatile situation, it would be unwise for N. Biren Singh to travel through the Kuki-Zo areas of Kangpokpi at this time, as sentiments among the indigenous Kuki-Zo people are running high," the release stated. The KZC further warned that any attempt by the CM to breach the buffer zones could spark public unrest, jeopardizing the safety of the CM and his entourage.

In the statement, the Kuki-Zo Council emphasized that any consequences arising from the Chief Minister’s visit would be the sole responsibility of the N. Biren Singh-led Meitei State Government. The KZC also called for the immediate cancellation of the proposed travel for the sake of community harmony, urging that the security and well-being of all involved should be prioritized.