The Zeliangrong United Committee (ZUC), Manipur, has strongly condemned a statement issued by “Kukiland Demeanors” on July 12, 2025, under the caption “No Kacha Naga Hills”, which also carried defamatory remarks against freedom fighter Rani Gaidinliu.
In a statement, ZUC president Meibon Phaomei said historical records showed that the British administered the Naga Hills District, including the Kacha-Naga and Kabui Naga areas of Manipur North-West Sub-Division, while the Kingdom of Manipur was confined to the valley areas. He asserted that no administrative unit was ever named “Kuki Hills” and described the Kukis as refugees brought from Burma by the British.
He alleged that the remarks targeting Rani Gaidinliu were motivated by jealousy and amounted to a serious attack on her image and legacy. The ZUC demanded that the authorities arrest those responsible to prevent potential unrest.
The statement also claimed that the Kukis had long been allowed to live and cultivate land in Zeliangrong villages, but had shown ingratitude. It accused them of betrayal during the Kuki Rebellion (1917–1919), leading to the destruction of several Zeliangrong villages.
Phaomei further questioned the demand for separate Kuki administration, describing it as unjustified. He reiterated that Rani Gaidinliu’s contribution to India’s freedom struggle was widely recognised through national honours, including the Padma Bhushan, Tamrapatra Freedom Fighter Award, Birsa Munda Award (posthumous), commemorative coins, and a naval ship named in her honour.
The ZUC maintained that the remarks against Rani Gaidinliu were baseless, contrary to historical records, and unacceptable. It urged the Manipur government to initiate legal proceedings, including a suo motu case, against those responsible.