Amid the ongoing unrest in Manipur, a historic step towards self-reliance and economic independence was taken with the inauguration of the Koubru Roofing and Allied Industries in Ngahmun Village, Sadar Hills Kangpokpi District. This groundbreaking initiative, established by the Ngahmun Village Chief Thangboi Kipgen, signifies a pivotal step in the Kuki-Zo community's pursuit of self-reliance and their broader movement for a separate administration.
The ethnic violence that has gripped Manipur for months has devastated communities and severed economic ties between the Kuki-Zo-dominated hill regions and the Meitei-dominated valley. One of the most pressing issues has been the inability of Kuki-Zo residents to travel to the valley to procure essential materials, including roofing and construction supplies. Recognizing this urgent need, the Ngahmun Village Chief Thangboi Kipgen envisioned and brought to life the Koubru Roofing and Allied Industries, a local manufacturing unit that offers a sustainable solution.
This facility will produce a wide range of roofing products, including Diana Roofing, wall liners, and standard tin sheets in various colors, meeting the construction needs of the community and reducing dependence on valley suppliers. Beyond the immediate utility, the industry stands as a testament to the Kuki-Zo people's determination to build and sustain their economy despite challenges.
The inauguration, led by Rev. Sholal Touthang, began with a solemn prayer and ribbon-cutting ceremony, symbolizing the spiritual and communal significance of the project. "This industry is more than a business—it’s a beacon of hope for our people," Rev. Touthang remarked. "It represents our will to thrive and chart our own path despite the adversities we face."
Dedicated to God and the Kuki-Zo community, the initiative embodies both faith and resilience. The facility is expected to create jobs, foster local enterprise, and encourage a spirit of independence that aligns with the broader Kuki-Zo Separate Administration movement.
The Koubru Roofing and Allied Industries is more than an economic endeavor; it is a declaration of the Kuki-Zo community’s aspirations for self-governance. As the demand for a separate administration grows louder, this industry serves as a tangible manifestation of the movement’s core goals: autonomy, self-reliance, and the preservation of identity.
By creating infrastructure to meet the community’s needs internally, the Kuki-Zo people are showcasing their capacity for governance and development, challenging the notion that they are dependent on the state’s centralized systems.
This initiative is poised to have far-reaching impacts on the Kuki-Zo region. It will reduce costs for construction materials, empower local businesses, and create employment opportunities, offering hope to families affected by the conflict. Additionally, the industry will serve as a model for other communities to emulate, encouraging similar projects that reinforce the movement for economic and administrative autonomy.
The establishment of Koubru Roofing and Allied Industries underscores the indomitable spirit of the Kuki-Zo people. As they navigate the complexities of their struggle, initiatives like these show the world that their movement is not just about political aspirations but also about building sustainable and self-sufficient communities.
As the Kuki-Zo Separate Administration movement continues to gain momentum, the success of Koubru Roofing and Allied Industries could mark the beginning of a new chapter for the region. It is a bold reminder that even in the face of adversity, communities can rise to create systems that reflect their vision, values, and aspirations.
This development sends a clear message: the Kuki-Zo people are not waiting for solutions to come to them—they are building them with their own hands, one industry, one step, and one vision at a time.
The Hills Journal
K. Salbung, Churachandpur
Manipur-795128
