Kuki-Zo Council Expresses Disappointment Over Government's Unfulfilled Assurance, Reaffirms Demand for Separate Administration

The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) has expressed its deep disappointment at the failure of government officials to honor their commitment to visit Churachandpur and meet the KZC leadership within the promised 10-14 days. This visit was initially assured in exchange for the KZC calling off the proposed peaceful political rally on February 18, 2025.

In a statement, the KZC reaffirmed its unwavering political demand for a separate administration (SA) in the form of a Union Territory with legislature under the Indian Constitution, specifically modeled on Article 239A. The Council emphasized its intent to relentlessly pursue this demand until it is granted.

Regarding the issue of free highway movement, the KZC welcomed the Ministry of Home Affairs' (MHA) recent move to enforce the free movement of essential commodities within the state. However, the Council made it clear that, until a cessation of hostilities pact is reached between the warring communities, they cannot guarantee the free movement of people across buffer zones and will not take responsibility for any untoward incidents.

The Council also received a strong reaffirmation of support from all civil society organizations (CSOs) of the Kuki-Zo community, SoO (Suspension of Operations) groups, and elected representatives, who endorsed the KZC's leadership as the sole authority on matters related to the collective interests of the Kuki-Zo people. This support was formalized through Resolution No. 2 of the Kuki Zo Leaders Meet on March 6, 2025.

The KZC emphasized that, until a political solution is reached through dialogue, it would be premature for government employees from the Kuki-Zo community to be posted to areas where their physical and psychological security cannot be assured.

In light of the ongoing security concerns, the Council also questioned the extension of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in the ten hill districts, while 19 police stations in six valley districts have been excluded from its purview. The KZC argued that the effective recovery of looted arms in the valley can only be ensured through the uniform application of the law.

In a significant move, the Kuki-Zo Council announced its intention to make a public call for the surrender and submission of looted arms. This initiative will be carried out across all Kuki-Zo inhabited districts. However, given the complexity of the task and the upcoming deadline for the Governor's call for arms submission on March 8, 2025, the KZC has requested the Governor of Manipur to extend the deadline by a few weeks to facilitate a more organized process.