IT News
Imphal, Mar 7:
The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), has expressed disappointment over the failure of government officials to honour their assurance of visiting Churachandpur within 10 to 14 days to meet the Council’s leadership. The commitment, a press release stated, had led to the cancellation of a peaceful political rally scheduled for February 18, 2025.
A press release by the KZC reaffirmed the Council’s political stance, reiterating its demand for a separate administration in the form of a Union Territory with a legislature under the Indian Constitution, modeled on Article 239A. The statement highlighted that the Council would continue to pursue this demand relentlessly until it is granted.
The Council welcomed the Ministry of Home Affairs’ (MHA) move to ensure the free movement of essential commodities within the state. However, it stated that unless a pact for cessation of hostilities is reached between the warring communities, the free movement of people across buffer zones cannot be guaranteed. The Council also clarified that it could not take responsibility for any untoward incidents that may arise, the press release added.
The KZC further highlighted that all Kuki-Zo civil society organizations (CSOs), groups under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement, and elected representatives had reaffirmed their support for the Kuki-Zo Council. The release cited Resolution No. 2 of the Kuki-Zo Leaders Meet held on March 6, 2025, which declared the KZC as the sole authority to issue statements on collective issues concerning the Kuki-Zo people, except for local matters that may be addressed separately.
According to the KZC press release, the Council also raised concerns about the security of government employees from the Kuki-Zo community. The statement said it would be premature for these employees to be posted in areas where their physical and psychological well-being could not be ensured.
The press release also questioned the recent extension of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in the ten hill districts while excluding certain police station limits in six districts, mainly in the valley. According to the Council, effective recovery of looted arms from the valley could only be achieved through the uniform application of the law.
The KZC further announced that the Council would make a public call for the surrender and submission of looted arms in all Kuki-Zo inhabited districts. However, the statement noted that the process could not be completed in a short period, given that the deadline set by the Governor is March 8, 2025. In light of this, the Council has humbly requested the Governor of Manipur to extend the deadline for a few more weeks to ensure proper facilitation of the submission process.
