Kuki-Zo Council reiterates demand for Union Territory with legislature, sets October 10 deadline

The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), a political platform representing the Kuki-Zo community, has reiterated its demand for a Union Territory with a legislature and said it would consider further agitation if the government does not act by October 10 on the issue of Kuki-Zo bodies kept at the Churachandpur District Hospital.

The KZC held a six-hour consultation with community leaders at Hotel LNC in Kangpokpi under the theme “Unity, Consultation, Progress”. The meeting brought together political representatives, civil society members, religious leaders and academics.

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, while Chairman Henlenthang delivered the keynote address.

Representatives of MLAs, community organisations, churches, tribal bodies and civil society groups from different districts attended the consultation.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Henlenthang said similar consultations had been held in Churachandpur, Tengnoupal and Chandel to improve communication among different stakeholders and discuss differences within the community over its political aspirations.

He said the consultations were also aimed at reaffirming the community's demand for a Union Territory with a legislature.

Henlenthang said the KZC would continue to support the ongoing political dialogue involving the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and the United People's Front (UPF).

On the issue of the Kuki-Zo bodies kept at the Churachandpur District Hospital, he said the council had set October 10 as the deadline for the government to take 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 said the consultation was intended to improve coordination among various Kuki-Zo organisations while discussing the community's political demands and the way forward.