Kuki-Zomi Council alleges discrimination in Manipur

The Kuki-Zomi Council (KZC) has accused the central and state governments of discrimination against the Kuki-Zomi community in Manipur. The council alleges that authorities are prioritizing the concerns of the Naga community while ignoring the suffering and grievances of the Kuki-Zomi people.

Key grievances cited by the KZC include the National Investigation Agency (NIA) summoning 21 villagers from the Leilon Waifei region and an attack by NSCN-IM militants on Kalenzang village in Kangpokpi district, which resulted in several homes being set on fire. The council also highlighted the ongoing blockade by the United Naga Council (UNC), which has lasted over two months, severely disrupting the supply of essential goods to Kuki-Zomi majority areas and creating a humanitarian crisis.

The KZC is demanding equal protection under the law, the immediate release of innocent detainees, and a fair investigation into the killings of 15 Kuki-Zomi individuals, including three pastors. They have also called for the immediate end of the blockade and accountability for those responsible for attacks on Kuki-Zomi villages.