KZC puts ceasefire rider before free movement on National Highways
Source: The Sangai Express

Kangpokpi, March 07 2025: The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) has expressed deep disappointment over the Government's failure to honor its commitment to send officials to Churachandpur for a meeting with KZC leadership within the assured 10-14 day period.

The assurance, which led to the cancellation of a peaceful political rally scheduled for February 18, 2025, remains unfulfilled, raising concerns over the sincerity of the Government's engagement with the Kuki-Zo people.

Reaffirming the demand for Separate Administration

The Kuki-Zo Council reiterated its unwavering political demand for a Separate Administration (SA) under the Indian Constitution, modelled after Article 239A, in the form of a Union Territory with a legislature.

The Council made it clear that the Kuki-Zo people will persist in their struggle until their rightful demand is met.

On free highway movement

While welcoming the Ministry of Home Affairs' (MHA) initiative to enforce free movement within the State, the KZC emphasized that free movement of people across buffer zones cannot be guaranteed in the absence of a ceasefire agreement between the warring communities.

The Council stated that it cannot be held responsible for any untoward incidents arising from the current security situation.

Unwavering support from Kuki-Zo leadership

In a historic declaration, all Kuki-Zo Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), groups under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement, and elected representatives reaffirmed their full endorsement of the Kuki-Zo Council as the sole authority to issue press releases on matters concerning the collective interests of the Kuki-Zo people.

This was formally established in Resolution No.2 of the Kuki-Zo Leaders' Meet held on March 6, 2025 .

Opposition to AFSPA and call for uniform law enforcement

The Council strongly questioned the selective extension of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in the ten hill districts while excluding 19 police station limits in six districts, predominantly in the valley.

The KZC asserted that effective recovery of looted arms in the valley is only possible with uniform application of law across all regions.

Call for mass surrender and appeal for deadline extension

In a significant move, the Kuki-Zo Council announced a public call for the surrender of looted arms, which will be carried out across all Kuki-Zo inhabited districts.

However, given the logistical challenges, the Council urged the Governor of Manipur to extend the deadline for arms submission by at least two weeks to allow for a well-facilitated process.

Concerns over posting of Kuk-Zo Government employees

Until a political resolution is achieved, the Council deemed it premature for Government employees from the Kuki-Zo community to be posted in areas where their physical and psychological security remains uncertain.

The Kuki-Zo Council remains steadfast in its pursuit of justice, security, and political self-determination for the Kuki-Zo people.

It calls on the Government to honor its commitments, uphold fair governance, and engage in meaningful dialogue toward a lasting resolution, added KZC .

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