The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), representing the Kuki-Zo tribes, has sought intervention from the Centre amid ongoing supply blockades affecting essential goods in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district. On Monday, July 13, 2026, KZC leaders met with Mahesh Dixit, the Director of the Intelligence Bureau (IB), along with senior officials from the Union Home Ministry, to address the escalating crisis and push for a swift political solution.
KZC representatives expressed disappointment with the restoration of a popular government in Manipur on February 4, stating it has not alleviated their plight. They reported that at least 15 Kuki-Zo individuals have lost their lives and 14 villages have been set ablaze. Ginza Vualzong, the KZC spokesperson, criticized Chief Minister Y. Khemchand Singh, claiming he lacks substantial support for the Kuki-Zo community, which is now advocating for a separate administration with Union Territory status that includes a legislative assembly.
When questioned about the role of Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen, who is from the Kuki-Zo community, Vualzong stated, “The politics is such that she has not been able to do much, and there has been no official communication with the KZC.” This reflects a deepening concern within the community regarding ineffective governance during these tensions.
The Ongoing Ethnic Conflict
The ethnic tension, which originated on May 3, 2023, between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo factions, has escalated into a broader conflict involving the Naga community. Manipur is predominantly inhabited by three groups: the Meitei, tribal Naga, and Kuki-Zo people. The recent turmoil has intensified the sense of urgency for intervention and stability in the region.
During the meeting with civil society representatives, Mr. Dixit requested a list detailing vulnerable Kuki-Zo villages that urgently require security. Henlianthang Thanglet, the chairperson of the KZC, indicated that a memorandum outlining their demands has been submitted to Home Minister Amit Shah.
“In a meeting with the Director of IB, we discussed the atrocities and violence we are facing and how to alleviate the food supply issues. He assured us he would investigate,” stated Thanglet.
Severe Economic Impact
The Kuki-dominated district of Kangpokpi has been severely impacted since May 13, when three Thadou-Kuki pastors were murdered, leading to one of the worst economic blockades in recent years. The situation further deteriorated following the discovery of mutilated bodies of six Naga men, missing since May 13, which were found on June 10 in the same district. The police arrested a couple on July 10 in connection with this crime.
Geographically, Kangpokpi is strategically positioned, bordered by the Naga-majority Senapati district to the north and the Meitei-majority valley districts to the south. Transportation of essential goods has been heavily disrupted as Naga village volunteers have established blockades restricting the entry of supplies from outside the state.
Crisis in Daily Essentials
As a result of the blockade, prices for basic necessities have skyrocketed: a half bag of rice is selling for ₹3,500, a litre of petrol for ₹250, and gas cylinders are reportedly priced between ₹3,000 and ₹5,000 depending on availability. KZC representatives reported that routes need to be reopened urgently to ensure the supply of food, medicine, fuel, and other essential items. Residents from Chassad and Aishi villages in the Kamjong district have faced economic isolation, finding it impossible to purchase goods from nearby markets even if they have the funds to do so.
