Imphal: Kuki-Zo Council has discussed matters of security and stability in ‘Kuki-Zo areas’ during a meeting with Manipur governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and director general of Assam Rifles at 27 Sector Headquarters, Tuibuong, Churachandpur in Manipur, on Tuesday.
The council pressed the governor for the development of crucial roadways linking Churachandpur to Chandel and Kangpokpi, along with the construction of a bridge over the Imphal River in Chandel, during a meeting held at the deputy commissioner’s office, Churachandpur. The Kuki-Zo Council submitted a detailed set of public grievances to the governor during the official meeting.
The meeting at the deputy commissioner’s office was held ahead of the meeting held at the Assam Rifles headquarters.
During the official meeting held at the deputy commissioner’s office, Churachandpur, the Kuki-Zo Council submitted a detailed set of public grievances to the governor highlighting 16 key issues concerning the welfare and development of Kuki-Zo inhabited areas.
A statement issued by the council on Tuesday said among the pressing demands, the Kuki-Zo Council sought urgent upgradation of electricity capacity in Kangpokpi and Churachandpur, repair and maintenance of local roads, and measures to address frequent landslides 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 Manipur High Court, 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-Zo 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, according to the council, have hampered connectivity during emergencies.
The governor assured the delegation that all grievances would be looked into with priority. The Kuki-Zo Council expressed gratitude to the governor for his patient hearing and to the deputy commissioner of Churachandpur for arranging the meeting.
The Kuki-Zo has been demanding for a separate administration in the form of Union territory in the aftermath of May 3, 2023 violence in Manipur.
During the violence over 250 individuals were killed and over 60,000 were displaced.
