KZC Meet in Kangpokpi Reaffirms UT Demand, Warns of Intensified Movement Over Kuki-Zo Bodies After Oct 10

The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), the common political platform of the Kuki-Zo community, on Tuesday reaffirmed its demand for a Union Territory with legislature and warned of intensified agitation if the government fails to act by October 10 over the Kuki-Zo bodies lying in cold storage at Churachandpur District Hospital.

The KZC held a six-hour-long leaders’ consultation at Hotel LNC in Kangpokpi under the theme “Unity, Consultation, Progress”, bringing together a broad spectrum of political, civil society, religious and intellectual leaders.

The consultation was organised by the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) and moderated by KZC Joint Secretary Douminlal Haokip. KZC Vice Chairman Yanglet Haokip delivered the welcome address, followed by a keynote address by KZC Chairman Henlenthang and speeches by MLAs, KZC leaders and local and district leaders.

The meeting deliberated on a wide range of issues concerning the Kuki-Zo community and concluded with remarks by the KZC chairman, a vote of thanks by Ch. Ajang Khongsai, Chief of the Governing Council, and a thanksgiving prayer by Dr GS Gangte.

The consultation was attended by representatives of Sadar Hills MLAs, former MDCs, church leaders, SAHILCA executive members and chiefs, Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills and block leaders, Kuki Women Union district and block leaders, KSO Sadar Hills and block leaders, as well as Kuki Inpi, KSO, KWU and CWC representatives from Ukhrul.

Representatives of tribe-based organisations, including Thadou Inpi, Vaiphei, Gangte, Mate, Kom and Simte organisations and their respective units, besides intellectuals, research scholars, academicians, the Kangpokpi District Bar Association, human rights organisations, Adivasi youth and women’s wings, KTC, KWWO, KYU, KTCF and the Kuki Chief Association also attended the meeting.

Addressing the media after the consultation, Henlenthang said similar consultations had already been held in Churachandpur, Tengnoupal and Chandel to bridge communication gaps and address differences within the Kuki-Zo community over its political aspirations.

He said the consultation was also aimed at reaffirming that the community’s aspiration for a Union Territory with Legislature remained unchanged.

Highlighting the key resolutions, Henlenthang said the KZC had reiterated to the Kuki-Zo people and leaders that the demand for a Union Territory with Legislature remained its political position and that the struggle would continue.

He also said the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and United People’s Front (UPF) remained the platforms for political dialogue and that the KZC would continue to support the ongoing dialogue process.

On the issue of Kuki-Zo bodies kept in cold storage at Churachandpur District Hospital, Henlenthang said the KZC had given the government October 10 as a deadline for action.

“If nothing happens by October 10, we will intensify our movement by organising protests, dharnas and other forms of agitation,” he said.

The KZC chairman said the consultation was intended to strengthen unity and coordination among various Kuki-Zo stakeholders while reaffirming the community’s political aspirations and future course of action.