Latest news with #GinzaVualzong
Time of India
20-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Kuki-Zo seeks Centre's help to improve disputed German-Tiger Road
Guwahati: Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), the apex body of Kuki-Zo tribals in Manipur, appealed to the Centre on Sunday to improve the German-Tiger Road — earlier an inter-village path connecting Churachandpur and Kangpokpi districts. The community-led initiative for the road, funded through public donations, has sparked disputes, drawing opposition from the Naga community and escalating ethnic tensions. The Foothills Naga Coordination Committee (FNCC) announced an indefinite bandh on Friday midnight banning the movement of Kukis in the foothills of Naga-inhabited areas, objecting to the road's development through ancestral territories of Nagas without prior consultation. This situation has created tension between Kuki-Zo people and Nagas, while conflicts persist between Kuki-Zos and Meiteis since the ethnic unrest began in Manipur in May 2023. While on Sunday, KZC cautioned that attempts to obstruct Kuki-Zo community connectivity reflect an intention to isolate them. However, Meiteis remain the primary focus of Kuki-Zo people's grievances, rather than the Nagas though the latter have been largely neutral in the tribal Kuki-Zo and non-tribal Meitei conflict in Manipur over the last two years. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Live Update: The Strategy Uses By Successful Intraday Trader TradeWise Learn More Undo "Kuki-Zo Council strongly condemns the baseless and malicious accusations being circulated by certain Meitei groups branding the German-Tiger Road and Singheu Road as 'drug routes'. These claims are entirely unfounded and without any legitimate evidence," Ginza Vualzong, secretary, information & publicity at KZC, said on Sunday. Despite Naga objections and restrictions, KZC has sought central govt's support to develop both the routes. While Nagas worry about potential land losses, KZC argues that the roads are essential for the community during the ongoing conflict and blockades. The council stressed that the German-Tiger Road provides a safe travel alternative by bypassing Meitei-dominated regions. Sources said some camps of Kuki outfits that are under suspension of operation are in proximity to Naga villages, raising concerns that an upgraded German-Tiger Road would facilitate the groups' movements further. "Nagas fear potential encroachment into their territories by Kuki-Zo people," the source said. Through public contributions, work has commenced to develop basic roads (mostly kutccha), with vehicles already using both routes. According to KZC, improvement of the German-Tiger Road was necessary, as after ethnic violence, it was unsafe for Kuki-Zo people to travel through Meitei-dominated areas. The Singheu Road now connects Churachandpur, Chandel, and Tengnoupal in absence of viable infrastructure. "We call upon the central govts to reject these divisive and baseless allegations and, instead, take steps to improve German-Tiger Road and Singheu Road as essential inter-district lifelines," Ginza said. "We urge the Centre to reject divisive rhetoric and recognize these roads as lifelines—not criminal pathways," Ginza added. "Accusing the German-Tiger Road and Singheu Road of being a conduit for illicit activities without presenting credible evidence is nothing short of a deliberate attempt to criminalise the Kuki-Zo community and to isolate us further. This tactic may also reflect a broader political effort to shift discourse away from the unfolding Biren Audio Tape case," Ginza alleged.
Hans India
20-07-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Manipur: Kuki-Zo body again urges FNCC to lift shutdown, allow passage through Naga areas
Imphal: The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), the apex body of the Kuki-Zo tribal community, on Sunday once again urged the Foothills Naga Coordination Committee (FNCC) to immediately lift the shutdown and allow the safe passage to the people belonging to the Kuki-Zo community through the Naga-inhabited areas of Manipur. The FNCC called for an indefinite shutdown from midnight on Friday on the movement of Kuki-Zo tribals within the foothill regions of Naga-inhabited areas. The FNCC had stated that the shutdown is a peaceful but firm protest against what it describes as threats to the ancestral land, identity, and security of the Naga people. FNCC Secretary B. Robin Kabui, in a statement, said that the first concern is the proposed construction of roads through Naga ancestral territories without prior knowledge or consent of the Naga people. The committee termed it a blatant disregard for traditional ownership rights. The KZC, in a statement on Sunday, reiterated that the German-Tiger road in the Naga people's inhabited areas is a humanitarian lifeline that was initiated by Kuki-Zo civil society organisations out of sheer necessity. KZC's Secretary, Information and Publicity, Ginza Vualzong, said that following the ethnic violence that erupted on May 3, 2023, it became unsafe and impossible for Kuki-Zo people to travel through Meitei-dominated areas. 'As a result, the community had no choice but to revive and upgrade an old inter-village track, now known as the German-Tiger Road, to connect the districts of Churachandpur and Kangpokpi. Similarly, as Sugnu is no longer accessible, we are compelled to depend solely on the Singheu route to stay connected with Churachandpur, Chandel, and Tengnoupal, despite the absence of a viable bridge,' Vualzong said in a statement. They strongly condemned the 'baseless and malicious accusations being circulated by certain Meitei groups branding the German-Tiger Road and Singheu Road as 'drug routes.' These claims are entirely unfounded and without any legitimate evidence. Such narratives are not only irresponsible but are clearly intended to malign the Kuki-Zo community and disrupt the already fragile connectivity between Kuki-Zo inhabited regions of Manipur, the KZC stated. The KZC urged the central government to reject these 'divisive and baseless allegations' and, instead, take steps to improve the German-Tiger Road and Singheu Road as essential inter-district lifelines.
Time of India
20-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Kuki-Zo council rejects drug route allegations, defends key roads
The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) strongly condemns the baseless and malicious accusations being circulated by certain Meitei groups branding the German-Tiger Road and Singheu Road as "drug routes." Foothills Naga Coordination Committee ( FNCC ) has declared an indefinite bandh on the movement of Kukis within the foothill regions of Naga-inhabited areas, effective from midnight of July 18. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Select a Course Category healthcare Degree CXO Project Management others Leadership Others MBA Digital Marketing PGDM Operations Management Finance Data Analytics Design Thinking Healthcare Data Science Product Management Artificial Intelligence Data Science Public Policy Cybersecurity MCA Management Technology Skills you'll gain: Duration: 11 Months IIM Lucknow CERT-IIML Healthcare Management India Starts on undefined Get Details KZC stated these claims are entirely unfounded and without any legitimate evidence. Such narratives are not only irresponsible but are clearly intended to malign the Kuki-Zo community and disrupt the already fragile connectivity between Kuki-Zo inhabited regions of Manipur. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Crack NSAT and Win Scholarships | Register Now Narayana Group Sign Up Undo Ginza Vualzong a leader of KZC stated it must be categorically stated that the German-Tiger road is a humanitarian lifeline that was initiated by Kuki-Zo civil society organizations out of sheer necessity. Following the ethnic violence that erupted on 3rd May 2023, it became unsafe and impossible for Kuki-Zo people to travel through Meitei-dominated areas. As a result, the community had no choice but to revive and upgrade an old inter-village track, now known as the German-Tiger Road, to connect the districts of Churachandpur and Kangpokpi. Similarly, as Sugnu is no longer accessible, we are compelled to depend solely on the Singheu route to stay connected with Churachandpur, Chandel, and Tengnoupal, despite the absence of a viable bridge." Live Events He added that these roads serve critical civilian needs: transporting essential goods, school children, patients in need of medical care, and ordinary passengers. It is not a military or commercial route but a community-led initiative to ensure basic survival and connectivity for a people cut off from the rest of the state due to ongoing hostilities and the collapse of inter-community trust. The kuki body stated,"Accusing the German-Tiger Road and Singheu road of being a conduit for illicit activities without presenting credible evidence is nothing short of a deliberate attempt to criminalize the Kuki-Zo community and to isolate us further. We call upon the central governments to reject these divisive and baseless allegations and instead, take steps to improve the German-Tiger Road and Singheu Road as essential inter district lifelines." KZC, "Let it be made clear: The German-Tiger Road and Singheu Road symbolize resilience, not criminality. It reflects a community's will to survive amid violence, displacement, and blockade. Any effort to undermine or disrupt the connectivity of the Kuki-Zo community clearly reflects a deeper intent to marginalize and dismantle the Kuki-Zo people." B. Robin Kabui, Secretary of the FNCC, the first concern is the proposed construction of the German and Tiger roads through Naga ancestral territories without prior knowledge or consent of the Naga people. The committee termed it a blatant disregard for traditional ownership rights. A road constructed in the hill region called the 'German road' has raised concern in the wake of violence Manipur. The road built privately during the ethnic conflict connects Churachandpur to Kangpokpi. It is named after German H Kuki, leader of the Kuki National Front-Military Council (KNF-MC), a militant group based in Manipur. It is said that the road was constructed on the initiative of militant leader German. The road was opened for people in 2024. There are several Kaccha roads linking Churachandpur to neighbouring Mizoram. There are roads between Churachandpur and Myanmar. Myanmar shares a border with Churachandpur. Earlier the Manipur Naga Youth Organisation (MNYO) had expressed strong opposition to the proposed construction of the Tiger/German Road from Motbung in Kangpokpi district to Churachandpur, citing concerns over the road's naming. The organisation urged the Government of India and relevant authorities to reconsider the project and its implications. According to the organisation, the term 'Tiger/German Road' is associated with Kuki armed groups, which the organisation finds objectionable. FNCC stated the second issue raised is the alleged continued presence of illegal Suspension of Operation (SoO) camps of Kuki militant groups in Naga areas, which the FNCC claims poses a serious threat to peace and security. 'Thirdly, the FNCC highlighted the unchecked cultivation of poppy plantations, which it claims not only harms the environment but also fuels drug addiction and criminal activity, thereby endangering the social fabric'. The organisation added, 'These encroachments and activities, if allowed to persist, will irreversibly harm the heritage, security, and future of the Naga people. It further called on Naga bodies and tribal councils to unite in defending their ancestral domain". Meiteis, belonging to the erstwhile ruling class, account for 53% of Manipur's population and live mostly in the Imphal valley. Naga and Kuki tribes constitute 40% of the population and live in the hill districts. More than 260 people have been killed and around 70,000 people of different communities rendered homeless in the ethnic violence between the Meiteis and Kuki-Zo-Hmar communities since May 3. Manipur has been under President's Rule since February 13, four days after the resignation of N. Biren Singh from the Chief Minister's post.
NDTV
03-05-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
Manipur Marks 2nd Anniversary Of Ethnic Clashes With Mass Gatherings
Imphal/Churachandpur: A statewide shutdown and mass gatherings marked the second anniversary of the ethnic clashes between the Meitei and Kuki and Zomi tribes of Manipur on Saturday, amid demands for free and safe movement of all residents, and a separate administrative arrangement. Shutdowns, observed in both the Meitei-dominant Imphal valley and the Kuki-Zo-dominated hill districts, brought life to a grinding halt across the state. While the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) enforced the shutdown in the valley, the Zomi Students' Federation (ZSF) and the Kuki Students' Organisation (KSO) led similar actions in the hill areas. In the state capital Imphal, COCOMI organised a public convention at Khuman Lampak Stadium, where speakers urged the central government to ensure the "free and safe movement" of all residents in the state. Christened the 'Manipur People's Convention', it adopted a resolution accusing the Centre of failing in its responsibilities and called for an immediate and time-bound roadmap to restore peace and normalcy. "The People's Convention demands that the Government of India formally accept responsibility for its role in perpetuating the crisis and immediately initiate a comprehensive, time-bound roadmap for the restoration of peace, law and order, and a secure environment for all communities in Manipur," it stated. The convention also condemned the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreements with militant groups like the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and United People's Front (UPF), claiming these units received "safe havens, financial backing, and logistical support" under the guise of the pact since 2008. The resolution emphasised that Manipur's territorial integrity must not be compromised. "Under no circumstance shall the territorial integrity, historical identity, and political unity of Manipur be compromised. Any attempt, external or internal, to divide or disintegrate the state will be firmly and collectively opposed by the people of Manipur," it added. It also urged the Centre to address illegal immigration, alleging that many individuals have settled in the state using forged documents. In Churachandpur, thousands of Kuki-Zo residents gathered at the 'Wall of Remembrance' in Tuibuong to observe 'Separation Day', marking their community's continuing demand for a separate administrative arrangement. The day was marked by memorial events, musical tributes, and the distribution of compensation to 127 victims by the Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights. Ginza Vualzong, spokesperson for the Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum (ITLF), said: "Until and unless our demands for a separate administration in the form of Union Territory is granted, we will continue to fight for justice." Lenminlal Gangte, vice-president of KSO Churachandpur, added that peace cannot be set as a precondition for resolving the conflict with the Meiteis. Another memorial event took place at the Sehken Village burial site, where MLA LM Khaute advocated for political autonomy, again in the form of a Union Territory.
Indian Express
03-05-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Shutdown, mass gatherings mark 2nd anniversary of Manipur conflict
A statewide shutdown and mass gatherings marked the second anniversary of the ethnic clashes between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities of Manipur on Saturday. Shutdowns, observed in both the Meitei-majority Imphal Valley and the Kuki-Zo-dominated hill districts, brought life to a grinding halt across the state. In capital Imphal, all government and private institutions, including schools and colleges, remained closed. Public transportation stayed off the road and business establishments remained closed. While the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) enforced the shutdown in the valley, the Zomi Students' Federation (ZSF) and the Kuki Students' Organisation (KSO) led similar actions in the hill areas. In Imphal, COCOMI organised a public convention at Khuman Lampak Stadium, where speakers urged the central government to ensure the 'free and safe movement' of all residents in the state. Thousands of people attended the event. Christened the 'Manipur People's Convention', it adopted a resolution accusing the Centre of failing in its responsibilities and called for an immediate and time-bound roadmap to restore peace and normalcy. The resolution emphasised that Manipur's territorial integrity must not be compromised. 'Under no circumstance shall the territorial integrity, historical identity, and political unity of Manipur be compromised. Any attempt, external or internal, to divide or disintegrate the state will be firmly and collectively opposed by the people of Manipur,' it added. 'We want to return to our homes and live a dignified life like everyone else. We are merely surviving in the relief camps. Given the situation that we are in, there is no future for our children,' said Khuraijam Abem Leima, an internally displaced person speaking at the event. In Churachandpur, thousands of Kuki-Zo residents gathered at the 'Wall of Remembrance' in Tuibuong to observe 'Separation Day', marking their community's continuing demand for a separate administrative arrangement. Ginza Vualzong, spokesperson for the Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum (ITLF), said: 'Until and unless our demands for a separate administration in the form of Union Territory is granted, we will continue to fight for justice.' Lenminlal Gangte, vice-president of KSO Churachandpur, added that peace cannot be set as a precondition for resolving the conflict with the Meiteis. Another event took place at the Sehken Village burial site, where MLA L M Khaute advocated for political autonomy, again in the form of a Union Territory. More than 260 people have been killed, 1,500 injured and over 70,000 displaced since ethnic violence broke out between the Meteis and the Kukis on May 3, 2023.
