New Delhi: The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), the apex body of the Kuki-Zo tribal community in Manipur, has warmly welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s proposed visit to Imphal and Churachandpur district on September 13.
KZC Chairman Henlianthang Thanglet and General Secretary Thangzamang described the occasion as “historic and rare,” noting that it comes nearly four decades after a Prime Minister last visited the tribal region.
In their jointly signed statement, the KZC leaders highlighted the hardships endured by their community:
“More than 250 innocent lives have been lost; 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.”
Call for Separate Administration
The statement alleged that the Kuki-Zo people had been forcibly separated due to the actions and aggression of Manipur’s majority community. Despite these circumstances, the community continues to “uphold our faith in the democratic spirit and leadership of India.”
For years, the KZC has been demanding complete separation from Manipur, seeking “a separate administration in the form of a Union Territory with legislature under Article 239A of the Indian Constitution.” The leaders stressed that this demand is driven by “necessity, for peace, security, and survival of their people.”
“As the leader of our great nation, we are confident that the Prime Minister would give due recognition to our voice, our pain, and our aspirations. We place our trust in your leadership to heal our wounds, restore our dignity, and safeguard the future of the Kuki-Zo people,” the KZC leaders stated.
High-Level Meetings on Security and Preparations
Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla met five Kuki-Zo MLAs in Churachandpur on Tuesday to discuss the Prime Minister’s likely visit and security arrangements. The legislators represent constituencies in Churachandpur and Pherzawl districts, both predominantly inhabited by Kuki-Zo tribal communities.
On September 7, Bhalla also met BJP MLAs from the Imphal Valley, including former Chief Minister N Biren Singh, BJP State President Adhikarimayum Sharda Devi, and top state officials such as the Chief Secretary, DGP, Security Advisor, and Home Commissioner.
While officials have not confirmed the visit, media reports suggest that it would be PM Modi’s first trip to Manipur since ethnic violence erupted between Meiteis and Kukis in May 2023.
Planned Itinerary and Security Restrictions
According to reports, the Prime Minister’s September 13 trip will include stops in Mizoram’s capital, Aizawl, to inaugurate the 51.38 km Bairabi–Sairang railway project, followed by visits to Imphal and Churachandpur.
In Imphal, preparations are underway at Kangla Fort, with beautification work in surrounding areas. In Churachandpur, the district administration has imposed restrictions on aerial devices such as drones, UAVs, balloons, and other flying objects, declaring the entire district a “No Drone Zone” ahead of the “VVIP visit.”
Separately, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated that PM Modi is expected to be in Assam on September 13–14 to inaugurate the birth centenary celebrations of Bharat Ratna Bhupen Hazarika in Guwahati.