Kuki-Zo Women Launch Indefinite Protest Over Administrative Bias in Ukhrul

Imphal: Dozens of Kuki-Zo women have launched an indefinite sit-in at Shangkhai in Manipur's Ukhrul district. Organized by the Kuki Women Union and supported by the Working Committee of Kuki Civil Society Organisations, the protesters claim they face a severe humanitarian crisis and discriminatory treatment from the local administration.

The demonstrators are calling for Deputy Commissioner Uppuluri Chaitanya to visit the site and address their grievances. They argue that Kuki-Zo residents struggle to access essential services and move safely through the district. Among their protest placards, one message explicitly stated: "A DC serves every citizen, not selective citizens."

The current unrest follows an incident on June 19 when three Tangkhul Naga civilians were allegedly detained by Kuki volunteers near Mongkot Chepu while traveling to Imphal. Local police eventually intervened to release the three men. Organizers maintain that their current agitation is peaceful and will continue until the district administration provides concrete assurances to resolve their ongoing concerns.