Kuki-Zomi community tensions in Manipur

Tensions persist in Manipur involving the Kuki-Zomi community and various blockades. The Kuki-Zomi Council (KZC) has accused both central and state governments of discrimination, alleging that authorities prioritize Naga community concerns while ignoring Kuki-Zomi grievances. The KZC cited several issues, including the summoning of villagers by the National Investigation Agency, militant attacks on villages, and a long-standing blockade by the United Naga Council that has caused a humanitarian crisis.

In a separate development regarding economic disruptions, the Kuki CSO Working Committee lifted a 16-day counter-economic blockade on National Highway-2. This blockade had been implemented in response to what the committee described as a selective economic blockade targeting the Kuki-Zo community. The lifting of restrictions followed a meeting with a Manipur government delegation, where officials provided assurances regarding the free movement of essential commodities. Following the agreement, hundreds of stranded goods-laden vehicles resumed their journeys.