Kuki-Zo Council Seeks Centre's Intervention as Naga Blockade Causes Severe Shortages in Manipur

As Naga groups continue to block essential supplies to Kuki-Zo areas in Manipur's Kangpokpi district, the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), an apex body representing the community, met Director of Intelligence Bureau Mahesh Dixit and senior Union Home Ministry officials on Monday. The delegation requested central intervention to address the ongoing crisis and expedite a political solution.

KZC members stated that the restoration of an elected government in Manipur on February 4, after a year of President's Rule, has not benefited them. They reported that at least 15 Kuki-Zo individuals have been killed and 14 villages of the community burnt down since the conflict began. KZC spokesperson Ginza Vualzong said Chief Minister Y. Khemchand Singh has 'nothing much to do' with the Kuki-Zo people, who are now seeking a separate administration—a Union Territory with a legislature.

When asked about the role of Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen, who belongs to the Kuki-Zo community, the spokesperson said, 'The politics is such that she has not been able to do much, and no official communication with KZC has taken place.'

The ethnic conflict between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo people, which began on May 3, 2023, has now expanded to include tensions between Kuki and Naga communities. Manipur is inhabited by three major groups: the Meitei, the tribal Naga, and the Kuki-Zo people.

In a meeting with civil society members on Monday, Mr. Dixit requested a list of vulnerable Kuki-Zo villages requiring urgent security, according to KZC chairperson Henlianthang Thanglet. He added that a memorandum detailing the community's demands has been submitted to Home Minister Amit Shah.

'In a meeting with the Director of IB, we spoke about the atrocities and violence we are facing, and how to resolve the supply of food. He said he will look into it. We also spoke about the political settlement,' said Mr. Thanglet. He noted that Kuki-Zo people in Kangpokpi, Ukhrul, Kamjong, and Noney districts are the worst affected.

The spokesperson said talks between the Ministry and Kuki-Zo insurgent groups under suspension of operations agreements are ongoing monthly to finalize a political settlement.

Since May 13, when three Thadou-Kuki pastors were killed in Kangpokpi, the Kuki-dominated district has experienced one of the worst economic blockades in recent years. The situation worsened after the mutilated bodies of six Naga men, missing since May 13, were recovered by police on June 10 in Kangpokpi. On July 10, a couple was arrested for the crime.

Due to its location—surrounded by the Naga-dominated Senapati district to the north and Meitei-dominated valley districts to the south, with a Naga settlement in between—transportation of essential goods has been severely affected. Naga village volunteers have imposed a blockade on goods entering from outside the state.

'Half a bag of rice is selling for ₹3,500, a litre of petrol costs ₹250, and if one is lucky, a gas cylinder is available for ₹3,000–₹5,000. All blocked routes should be opened, and the supply of food, medicines, fuel, and other essential commodities should be ensured. Residents of two villages in Kamjong district—Chassad and Aishi—have been boycotted, and even if they have money, they cannot buy anything from nearby markets,' the spokesperson said.