The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) has expressed serious concern over a recent statement made by Manipur’s State Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam regarding the proposed replacement of Central security forces with State forces in the hill regions of Manipur.
In a press release issued on April 16, the council highlighted its apprehension about the move, citing past incidents since the outbreak of violence on May 3, 2023. According to the KZC, there have been multiple instances where State forces allegedly failed to prevent violence or were seen as complicit in attacks targeting the Kuki-Zo community. The council further stated that the inability of State forces to curb large-scale looting of arms has weakened public trust.
The KZC contrasted this with the role of Central security forces, which it credited with maintaining stability in sensitive areas. The presence of these forces in buffer zones between Kuki-Zo and Meitei regions has reportedly helped prevent further escalation of conflict.
Warning against any changes to the current security arrangement, the council noted that withdrawing Central forces could risk undoing the fragile peace achieved so far and may lead to renewed violence. It emphasized that such a decision would adversely affect all communities in the state.
The KZC has urged state authorities to maintain the existing deployment of Central forces, stressing that their continued presence is crucial for ensuring neutrality, rebuilding public confidence, and safeguarding peace in the region.
