PM Modi’s Likely Manipur Visit Welcomed By Kuki-Zo Council As A ‘Historic Occasion’

The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), the apex body representing the Kuki-Zo tribal community in Manipur, has expressed profound appreciation for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s proposed visit to the state’s capital, Imphal and the tribal district of Churachandpur on 13 September.

Describing it as a ‘historic and rare occasion’, the KZC noted that this would be the first visit by a sitting Prime Minister to the tribal belt in nearly four decades — a significant moment amid ongoing ethnic tensions and displacement in the region.

In a joint statement, KZC Chairman Henlianthang Thanglet and General Secretary Thangzamang highlighted the severe humanitarian toll the community has faced in recent years.

“Over 250 lives have been lost, 360 places of worship destroyed, 7,000 homes burnt, and more than 40,000 of our people remain displaced in relief camps,” the statement read.

The Kuki-Zo leadership blamed what it described as ‘aggression’ from the majority community in Manipur for forcibly displacing their people, adding that they have long demanded a separate administrative framework under Article 239A of the Indian Constitution — in the form of a Union Territory with a legislature.

“This is not a matter of convenience, but one of survival,” the KZC said, urging the Prime Minister to recognise the pain, dignity, and aspirations of the Kuki-Zo people.

Hopes Pinned on Leadership

Amid these challenges, the community reiterated its faith in India’s democratic framework and leadership, placing hope in PM Modi’s intervention to help restore peace and justice.

“We are confident that the Prime Minister will listen to our voice and help heal our wounds,” the KZC leaders added.

Meanwhile, Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla met with five Kuki-Zo MLAs in Churachandpur on Tuesday to discuss arrangements for the potential visit.

These legislators represent Assembly constituencies from Kuki-Zo-dominated districts of Churachandpur and Pherzawl.

Officials are reportedly preparing a stage at Kangla Fort in Imphal for the Prime Minister’s address, though they have not yet disclosed details of his itinerary.

The Churachandpur District Magistrate has declared the entire area a ‘No Drone Zone’ ahead of the high-security visit.

Though the Prime Minister’s Office has yet to officially confirm the trip, BJP leaders and media reports suggest that PM Modi’s itinerary includes visits to both Aizawl and Manipur, with the inauguration of the Bairabi–Sairang railway project in Mizoram also expected during the two-day tour.

If confirmed, PM Modi’s visit would be his first to Manipur since ethnic clashes erupted between the Meitei and Kuki communities in May 2023.

For the Kuki-Zo people, it is more than just a political visit — it symbolises the possibility of reconciliation, recognition, and lasting peace in a deeply divided region.

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