Centre closely monitoring situation: PK Singh
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, February 17 2025: Zomi Council along with its frontal organisations met chief secretary Prashant Kumar Singh (PK Singh) at the Churachandpur DC office during the latter's maiden visit to the district on Monday.

PK Singh's visit to review the law and order situation in the restive Churchandpur district assumes significance as seven Kuki National Army (KNA) cadres were arrested along with arms and ammunition.

The Indian Army and Assam Rifles under the 3 Corps Spears on February 14, apprehended had the KNA cadres, reportedly on the charge of possession weapons out of their designated camps.

Centre closely monitoring situation: PK Singh

After the Council aired its grievances and sought prompt redressal measures, the chief secretary informed about the government's sincere efforts to restore and improve the current situation, transport, basic needs, students' grievances, agrarian economy and law and order.

He also confided that the central government is closely monitoring the situation in the state.

In a press statement issued by its Media and Publicity Department, Zomi Council informed that it raised to the chief secretary urgent political and developmental concerns, citing lawlessness, stalled projects, and public distrust.

It also made demands which included extension of Suspension of Operation (SoO); resuming talks with SoO groups for stability; constructing an airport to remove regional inaccessibility; and protection of IDPs including securing properties and providing appropriate compensation.

It is worth noting that all together, 25 Kuki-Zo underground groups are under peace talks (Suspension of Operation) with the central government.

Under the agreement, they are not allowed to move out of their designated camps with the possession of arms and other weapons.

The Council further demanded for introducing PG courses related to education and employment, strengthening the MGNREGA funds; ensure reach of essential supplies and other infrastructures, in addition to related infrastructures like roads, treasury and transport reforms; establishing a single window system for administrative efficiency; expansion of helicopter services; publicising welfare programmes besides economic revival by promoting sustainable farming; and appointing a Churachandpur-based nodal officer.

Earlier in the day, PK Singh assessed public life and reviewed the district's civic administration during his maiden visit to Churachandpur district.

The CS was warmly received by the district administration, led by DC Dharun Kumar S, at the conference hall of the Mini Secretariat, Tuibong, PK Singh also held discussions with representatives of civil society organisations (CSOs) of Churachandpur and Pherzawl districts to understand local concerns.

He also engaged with security officials to review the prevailing situation in the district to address issues affecting the general public.

Accompanied by DGP Rajiv Singh and IGP NK Ujjwal, the chief secretary also interacted with displaced civil officers and medical students.