Imphal: The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), the apex body representing the Kuki-Zo communities, has issued a strong advisory urging its members to avoid travelling to or accepting official postings in Meitei-dominated areas of Manipur, citing ongoing insecurity and the absence of a political settlement to the ethnic conflict.
In a statement released on Sunday, the council cautioned state and Central government employees, public sector staff and private-sector workers from the community against reporting for duty or taking transfers in areas largely inhabited by the non-tribal Meitei population, particularly in the Imphal Valley districts, including the state capital.
The KZC said the conflict between the Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities remains unresolved, with no mutually agreed political solution, formal settlement or security guarantees in place.
Describing the situation as “fragile, tense and unpredictable,” the organisation said safe movement and coexistence could not be assured under the current circumstances.
The advisory comes in the backdrop of the formation of a new Meitei-led state government, which the council said could result in transfers and postings of employees to valley areas.
“No official duty or administrative order is worth risking one’s life at this critical juncture,” the KZC stated, adding that the directive was issued purely in the interest of safeguarding human life.
The council also appealed to authorities to acknowledge the ground realities and act responsibly to ensure that no lives are put in danger, stressing that caution must prevail until peace is restored through justice and a durable political settlement.
Meanwhile, tensions have continued across several hill districts since the new government led by Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh assumed office on February 4.
Multiple Kuki-Zo organisations have launched protests, shutdowns and demonstrations, particularly in Churachandpur, opposing the participation of Kuki-Zo MLAs in the formation of the state government.
Protest activities have also been reported from Tengnoupal and other hill districts, led by groups such as the Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO), Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights (KWOHR), Joint Forum of Seven (JF7) and other community bodies.
On February 5, clashes erupted between protesters and security forces in the Tuibong Bazaar and Forest Gate areas of Churachandpur, leading to baton charges and the use of tear gas to disperse crowds.
At least five people were injured. Police said protesters, mostly youths, set fire to tyres and debris while raising slogans against Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen, a BJP MLA from the Kuki-Zo community.
Tensions escalated after Kipgen virtually took oath as Deputy Chief Minister from Manipur Bhavan in New Delhi. She is the only woman minister in the Yumnam Khemchand Singh cabinet.
Of the ten Kuki-Zo MLAs in the Assembly, three — Nemcha Kipgen, L.M. Khaute and Ngursanglur Sanate — have so far been associated with the government formation process.
