Imphal :PM Modi Manipur visit has been warmly welcomed by the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), the apex body of the Kuki-Zo tribal community, ahead of his proposed trip to Imphal and Churachandpur district on September 13. The council described the visit as a historic and rare occasion, coming nearly four decades after a Prime Minister last toured the tribal region.
KZC Chairman Henlianthang Thanglet and General Secretary Thangzamang said the visit holds historic importance because a Prime Minister has not visited the tribal-dominated region in nearly four decades.
In a joint statement, the leaders highlighted the immense hardships faced by the Kuki-Zo community. “We lost more than 250 innocent lives; violent mobs reduced over 360 churches and places of worship to ashes; arson destroyed more than 7,000 homes; and over 40,000 of our people still live in relief camps, away from their ancestral homes,” the statement read.
The KZC stressed that the community has endured separation because of the aggression of the majority community in Manipur. Despite this, the body reaffirmed its faith in India’s democratic spirit while reiterating its demand for a separate administration under Article 239A of the Constitution in the form of a Union Territory with legislature.
“Our demand arises from necessity—for peace, security, and survival. We trust the Prime Minister to hear our voice, acknowledge our pain, and recognise our aspirations. We believe his leadership can heal our wounds, restore our dignity, and safeguard the future of the Kuki-Zo people,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla met five Kuki-Zo MLAs in Churachandpur on Tuesday to discuss preparations for the possible visit. A police official confirmed the meeting. The legislators represent constituencies in Churachandpur and Pherzawl districts, both dominated by Kuki-Zo communities.
On September 7, Governor Bhalla also consulted BJP MLAs from the Imphal Valley, including former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, BJP state president Adhikarimayum Sharda Devi, and top state officials.
Although the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has not confirmed Modi’s Manipur schedule, media reports suggest he will first visit Aizawl in Mizoram to inaugurate the newly constructed 51.38 km Bairabi–Sairang railway line before travelling to Imphal and Churachandpur.
Preparations have already started in Imphal. Workers are setting up a grand stage at Kangla Fort in the city’s heart, and beautification drives are underway in Imphal West. In Churachandpur, District Magistrate Dharun Kumar S. declared the entire district a “No Drone Zone” until further orders to ensure security during the VVIP visit.
Separately, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said PM Modi will also travel to Assam on September 13–14 to inaugurate the birth centenary celebrations of cultural icon and Bharat Ratna Bhupen Hazarika in Guwahati.
If confirmed, the Manipur visit will mark Modi’s first trip to the state since the ethnic violence between Meiteis and Kukis erupted in May 2023. The visit is expected to play a crucial role in peace-building and reconciliation.
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