In the face of continuing blockades on essential supplies to Kuki-Zo areas in Kangpokpi, Manipur, the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) held discussions with Mahesh Dixit, Director of the Intelligence Bureau, and senior officials from the Union Home Ministry on Monday, July 13, 2026. The meeting aimed to seek intervention from the Central government to address the escalating crisis and expedite a political resolution.
KZC representatives expressed their disillusionment regarding the restoration of a popular government in Manipur on February 4, a year after the imposition of President’s Rule, stating it has failed to alleviate their suffering. Reports indicate that at least 15 individuals from the Kuki-Zo community have lost their lives, with 14 villages having been set ablaze. KZC spokesperson Ginza Vualzong remarked that Chief Minister Y. Khemchand Singh has done “nothing much” for the Kuki-Zo people, who are now advocating for a separate administration, specifically a Union Territory with its own legislature.
In response to inquiries about Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen’s role during the ongoing crisis, the KZC representative noted, “The politics is such that she has not been able to do much and no official communication with KZC has taken place.” The conflict, which initially involved tensions between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, has since escalated to include the Naga populations.
Urgent Security and Political Solutions Needed
During the meeting with civil society leaders, Mr. Dixit requested a list of the vulnerable Kuki-Zo villages that require immediate security. KZC chairperson Henlianthang Thanglet confirmed that a memorandum detailing their demands has been submitted to Home Minister Amit Shah. “In our discussion, we highlighted the atrocities and violence we are facing and sought solutions for food supply issues. He assured us he would look into it and we also discussed the need for a political settlement,” Thanglet mentioned. He further indicated that the Kuki-Zo community, especially those in Kangpokpi, Ukhrul, Kamjong, and Noney districts, has been severely affected.
Economic Blockade Intensifies
The situation in Kangpokpi deteriorated following the killing of three Thadou-Kuki pastors on May 13, leading to one of the most severe economic blockades in recent years. The crisis deepened after the police recovered the mutilated bodies of six Naga men, who had been unaccounted for since May 13, on June 10. Following this, a couple was arrested on July 10 in connection with the case.
Geographically, Kangpokpi is ensnared between the predominantly Naga Senapati district in the north and the Meitei areas in the south, exacerbating the difficulties in transporting essential goods. Naga village volunteers have instituted a blockade on the entry of goods from outside the state, effectively impairing supply routes.
“Half a bag of rice is selling for ₹3,500, a litre of petrol costs ₹250, and gas cylinders are available anywhere from ₹3,000 to ₹5,000, if you’re lucky,” the spokesperson disclosed. “All blocked routes should be opened, and the supply of food, medicines, fuel, and other essential commodities must be assured. Residents of Chassad and Aishi villages in Kamjong district have been boycotted; even if they have money, they cannot purchase anything from nearby markets,” he added.
