In the ongoing crisis in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district, Naga groups are persistently obstructing the supply of essential goods to the Kuki-Zo regions. In response, the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC)—an apex body representing these tribes—met with Mahesh Dixit, the Director of the Intelligence Bureau (IB), alongside senior officials from the Union Home Ministry on Monday, July 13, 2026. The council is pushing for urgent intervention from the Centre to address the deteriorating situation and expedite a political resolution.
KZC representatives expressed deep dissatisfaction regarding the recent restoration of a popular government in Manipur on February 4, following a year of President’s Rule. They claimed that this has brought no relief to their community. The escalating violence has resulted in at least 15 Kuki-Zo fatalities and the destruction of 14 villages. According to Ginza Vualzong, a spokesperson for KZC, Chief Minister Y. Khemchand Singh appears to have little concern for the Kuki-Zo community, which is now advocating for a separate administrative status—ideally as a Union Territory with its own legislature.
When questioned about the actions of Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen, who is part of the Kuki-Zo community, Vualzong remarked that politics has limited her effectiveness, as there has been no substantial communication with the KZC.
The ethnic strife, which initially sparked between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo groups on May 3, 2023, has now escalated into tensions involving the Kuki and Naga communities. Manipur’s populace is divided among three significant groups: the Meitei, the tribal Naga, and the Kuki-Zo.
During a recent meeting with civil society members, Mr. Dixit requested a list of vulnerable Kuki-Zo villages in need of immediate security. Henlianthang Thanglet, chairperson of the KZC, stated that they submitted a memorandum to Home Minister Amit Shah outlining their immediate needs.
“In our discussion with the IB director, we addressed the atrocities and violence we are facing, as well as the urgent need for food supplies. He assured us he would investigate the matter. We also discussed the prospect of a political settlement,”
Thanglet noted. He indicated that the Kuki-Zo population, especially those in Kangpokpi, Ukhrul, Kamjong, and Noney districts, are among the hardest hit by the ongoing conflict.
Since May 13, following the deaths of three Thadou-Kuki pastors in Kangpokpi, the district has been facing one of the most severe economic blockades seen in recent years. The situation deteriorated further after police recovered the mutilated bodies of six Naga men, who had been missing since May 13, on June 10. This led to two arrests on July 10 in connection with the case.
The geographical positioning of Kangpokpi—encircled by Naga-dominated Senapati district to the north and the Meitei-controlled valley districts to the south—has severely disrupted the transport of essential goods. Naga village volunteers have implemented blockades, preventing supplies from entering the area.
The consequences for residents are dire. Reports indicate that half a bag of rice is selling for ₹3,500, a litre of petrol costs ₹250, and gas cylinders are available only at exorbitant prices ranging from ₹3,000 to ₹5,000. The spokesperson emphasized the need to lift all blockades to ensure the availability of food, medicines, fuel, and other essential items, stating, “Residents of two villages in Kamjong district—Chassad and Aishi—have been socially boycotted, and even with money, they cannot procure anything from nearby markets.”
