Kuki-Zo Council Opposes Census Deferral, Seeks President’s Rule

LAMKA, September 2, 2026: The Kuki-Zo Council has strongly opposed the Government of India’s decision to defer the Census exercise in Manipur, alleging that the decision was taken based on demands from selected civil society organisations while ignoring the concerns of the Kuki-Zo community.

In a press release issued by Ginza Vualzong, Spokesperson and Secretary, Information & Publicity of Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) on September 1, the Council said the decision followed a high-level meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi. It noted that the meeting considered the demand for “No Census Before NRC” raised by 14 civil society organisations representing Meitei and Naga communities, but alleged that no Kuki-Zo organisation was part of the demand.

The Council questioned the justification of the decision in the name of the “feelings and aspirations of the people of Manipur”, arguing that the Kuki-Zo were excluded from the consultation process.

It also raised concerns over the participation of former Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh in the meeting, alleging that his presence raised questions about the impartiality of the deliberations.

Referring to the ethnic violence since May 2023 and the recent violence involving Naga groups, the Council said the Kuki-Zo could no longer expect justice, security and dignity within the existing political arrangement in Manipur.

The Council reiterated its demand for a political arrangement that would safeguard the Kuki-Zo people’s security, dignity, land and identity.

It further called for the reimposition of President’s Rule in Manipur, saying that the Kuki-Zo people had felt safer under President’s Rule than under the present State Government. It urged the Centre to intervene if the State Government was unable to protect its citizens.

“The Kuki-Zo will not accept decisions made about us without us,” the Council said, stressing that its voice must be heard and its rights and political aspirations addressed.