Imphal: The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) has demanded the immediate reimposition of President’s Rule in Manipur, citing what it described as the state government’s failure to ensure security and conditions for peaceful coexistence.
In a press release issued on Tuesday, the Council said the Kuki-Zo community felt safer under central rule than under the current state administration. “If the State Government cannot protect its citizens, the Centre must act,” the KZC said.
The Council also questioned the Centre’s decision on Monday to defer the Census exercise in Manipur. According to the Chief Minister’s Secretariat, the decision followed a high-level meeting in New Delhi chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, which discussed the “No Census Before NRC” demand raised by 14 civil society organisations representing the Meitei and Naga communities.
The KZC, however, pointed out that no Kuki-Zo organisations were included in the deliberations, despite the decision being justified on the basis of the “feelings and aspirations of the people of Manipur”.
The Council criticised the exclusion, saying the Kuki-Zo community would not accept decisions concerning it being taken without its participation.
“No decision concerning the future of the Kuki-Zo can be legitimate when the Kuki-Zo themselves are excluded from the process,” the Council said.
Referring to the conflict that has continued since May 2023 and recent tensions involving Naga groups, the KZC expressed doubts about securing justice, safety and dignity under the existing state framework.
The Council said the community was consequently compelled to seek a separate political arrangement to safeguard its security, land and identity. It also said hopes of restoring normalcy under the current administration had diminished as targeted attacks and killings continue.