Kuki-Zo Council urges Manipur Governor to develop road linking Kuki inhabited districts

Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Balla, during a visit in Churachandpur district, on Tuesday held a meeting with leaders of Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) at the district headquarters.
The director general of Assam Rifles also participated in the meeting held at the conference hall of the deputy commissioner’s office at Tuibuong where matters related to security and stability in Kuki dominated areas were discussed.
The Governor convened the meeting to hear public grievances and developmental concerns for the people of the district.
The council also reportedly pressed the Governor for the development of crucial roadways linking Churachandpur to Chandel and Kangpokpi, along with the construction of a bridge over the Manipur River in Chandel district.
Before the meeting, the Governor accompanied by his wife the first lady inaugurated the pre-fabricated house constructed for the IDPs. The Governor also visited the relief camp of the IDPs.
The KZC submitted a memorandum highlighting 13 major issues concerning the welfare and progress of Kuki dominated areas across the state.
The issues, among others, included urgent upgradation of electricity capacity in Kangpokpi and Churachandpur, repair and maintenance of local roads, and measures to address landslide concerns along the Tipaimukh road.
Other issues included the posting of “neutral officials” in sensitive areas such as Chandel, particularly a deputy commissioner and an advocate general in the High Court of Manipur, as well as rectification of jurisdictional anomalies in transport, police, and land revenue offices.
The council also highlighted the need for an examination centre for Manipur Public Service Examinations in Kuki dominated areas, clearance of pending scholarships, salary arrears of staff at Moreh College and SEMCO College, and improvement of healthcare services in Moreh.
Concerns were also raised over unreliable helicopter services in hill districts, which the council alleged hampering connectivity during emergencies.
The KZC, in a statement issued after the meeting, claimed that the Governor carefully noted all the concerns and assured that the matters would be looked into with due priority.
The council expressed gratitude to Bhalla for hearing their grievances and also thanked the deputy commissioner of Churachandpur for facilitating the meeting.
Notably, the Kukis have been demanding a separate administration in the form of Union territory with legislative assembly in the aftermath of the unfolding of the Meitei-Kuki ethnic conflict in May, 2023.
During the violence over 260 persons have lost their lives and over 60,000 were displaced.