Imphal, September 10: Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled visit to Manipur on September 13, the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) on Wednesday extended its “warmest welcome” to the PM while strongly reiterating its demand for a separate administration for the Kuki-Zo community.
Calling the visit a “historic and rare occasion,” the Council noted that it comes nearly four decades after an Indian Prime Minister last visited the region.
In its statement, the KZC said the people of the Kuki-Zo community have endured immeasurable hardships in recent years. “More than 250 innocent lives have been lost at the hands of the majority Meitei community; over 360 churches and places of worship have been reduced to ashes; more than 7,000 homes have been burnt; and over 40,000 of our people continue to live as displaced persons in relief camps, separated from their ancestral homes,” the statement read.
The Council described this as the “stark reality” of the community being “forcibly separated” by the majority but stressed that the Kuki-Zo people continue to uphold “faith in the democratic spirit and leadership of India.”
Reiterating its political demand, the KZC called for the creation of a Union Territory with legislature under Article 239A of the Constitution, arguing that the call for separation arises “not from convenience, but from necessity for peace, security, and survival.”
Expressing confidence in Modi’s leadership, the KZC said: “We place our trust in your leadership to heal our wounds, restore our dignity, and safeguard the future of the Kuki-Zo people.” The Council also prayed for the success of the Prime Minister’s visit.
According to the proposed itinerary, PM Modi is likely to arrive in Churachandpur first and address a public gathering before flying to Imphal to deliver a speech at Kangla Fort. Following this, he will depart from the state.
During his visit, the Prime Minister is also expected to meet representatives of people displaced by the conflict, though sources indicate that due to time and security constraints, he may not visit relief camps directly. Instead, survivors and victims of violence are likely to meet him at the venue of his public address.
PM Modi is also expected to announce a rehabilitation package for the displaced and lay the foundation for several development projects in Manipur.
