KZC alleges selective justice over violence in Manipur

LAMKA, August 11, 2026: The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) has strongly condemned what it described as continued violence, harassment, discrimination and denial of justice against the Kuki-Zo people in Manipur, alleging that the Central and State governments have shown preferential attention to the Naga community while overlooking the grievances and suffering of the Kuki-Zo people.

In a press release issued by the Secretary, Information and Publicity of Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) on August 11, the KZC said 21 villagers from the Leilon Vaiphei area have been summoned by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to appear at the Leimakhong Army Camp. It also alleged that Kailenjang village in Kangpokpi district was attacked on Monday, with houses reportedly burnt by suspected NSCN-IM cadres. The council said a civil society leader of the Leimakhong Area Protection Committee (LAPC), who it claimed had no involvement in any crime, remains detained in Churachandpur Prison.

The KZC further criticised the continued blockade by the United Naga Council (UNC), which it said has been allowed to continue for more than two months, restricting the supply of essential goods to Kuki-Zo areas, particularly Kangpokpi. Describing the prolonged deprivation as inhumane and a serious humanitarian concern, the council said the blockade amounted to a violation of fundamental rights and urged the government to intervene. It also described as “unrealistic and irrelevant” the UNC's reported demands submitted to the Manipur government on Monday for lifting the blockade.

Questioning what it called unequal treatment, the KZC asked why “special attention” was being given to six Nagas of Manipur while the alleged killing of 15 Kuki-Zo people, including three children, allegedly by Naga militants, had not received equal attention or justice. The council also questioned why those allegedly responsible for the blockade had not been arrested.

The KZC demanded equal protection under the law, the immediate release of innocent detainees, impartial investigations into the killings of 15 Kuki-Zo people, accountability for attacks on Kuki-Zo villages, and the immediate lifting of the blockade.

“Justice cannot be selective. Kuki-Zo lives matter,” the council said.