The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) on Tuesday presented a comprehensive 16-point list of grievances to Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, during an official meeting convened at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office in Churachandpur. The interaction, which began at 12:50 pm, focused on pressing developmental and governance issues affecting Kuki-Zo inhabited districts.
Key Demands Raised
The delegation highlighted urgent concerns that cut across infrastructure, governance, education, and healthcare:
Electricity: Upgradation of power capacity in Kangpokpi and Churachandpur.
Roads: Repair of existing roads and measures against recurring landslides along the Tipaimukh route.
Connectivity: Development of roadways linking Churachandpur to Chandel and Kangpokpi, and construction of a bridge across the Imphal River in Chandel.
Governance: Posting of neutral officials, including a Deputy Commissioner in Chandel and a neutral Advocate General in the Manipur High Court.
Administrative Clarity: Rectification of jurisdictional overlaps in transport, police, and land revenue offices.
Education & Youth: Establishment of a Manipur Public Service Examination centre in Kuki-Zo areas; clearance of pending student scholarships; and settlement of salary arrears for Moreh College and SEMCO College staff.
Healthcare: Upgrading facilities in Moreh.
Connectivity: Reliable helicopter services for hill districts, especially for medical emergencies.
Governor’s Response
Governor Bhalla assured the delegation that their grievances would be given priority consideration. The KZC expressed gratitude to both the Governor for his patient hearing and the Churachandpur Deputy Commissioner for facilitating the meeting.
Parallel Security Discussions
Later in the day, the KZC Cabinet also held a meeting with the Director General of Assam Rifles (DGAR) at the 27 Sector Headquarters in Tuibuong. Talks revolved around security and stability in Kuki-Zo dominated areas, a recurring issue since the outbreak of ethnic violence in 2023.
Context: Ongoing Calls for Separate Administration
The Kuki-Zo community has, since the May 3, 2023 ethnic clashes with the Meitei community, consistently pressed for a separate administrative arrangement, even in the form of a Union Territory. The violence led to the deaths of over 250 people and the displacement of more than 60,000 individuals, leaving long-term scars on Manipur’s social and political landscape.
The latest 16-point submission underscores the Council’s attempt to institutionalize pressing needs for governance, infrastructure, and welfare while maintaining their larger political demand.