Photo Courtesy: nenow
Imphal: The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) met with Intelligence Bureau Director Mahesh Dixit and Union Home Ministry officials in New Delhi on Monday. They demanded federal intervention to break an economic blockade strangling Kuki-Zo regions. The group seeks immediate restoration of food, fuel, and medical supplies to Kangpokpi, Ukhrul, Kamjong, and Noney districts.
Shortages are acute. Rice now costs 3,500 rupees for a half bag. Petrol hits 250 rupees per litre, and LPG cylinders range between 3,000 and 5,000 rupees. The council reports 15 Kuki-Zo people dead and 14 villages burnt during recent unrest. KZC spokesperson Ginza Vualzong claimed the return of an elected government on February 4 failed to stabilize the area. He stated: "The KZC continues to seek a Union Territory with a legislature as a long-term political solution."
The current crisis ignited after three Thadou-Kuki pastors were killed in Kangpokpi on May 13. Tensions spiked again on June 10 when six Naga men, missing since May 13, were found dead in the same district. Police arrested two suspects for those murders. Meanwhile, the United Naga Council launched its own indefinite blockade on May 17, 2026. The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) now backs this effort, citing the torching of six houses at Kanto Sabal.
The United Naga Council demands the arrest of killers, the removal of Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen, and the cancellation of the Suspension of Operations agreement with Kuki groups. They also want the Kuki National Front-President declared a terrorist group. KZC representatives noted that Kipgen has no meaningful role in fixing grievances. Mahesh Dixit promised to review supply line disruptions and requested a list of vulnerable villages requiring extra security.
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