The Kuki-Zo village volunteers in Tengnoupal and Chandel districts of Manipur have declared restrictions on free movement within Kuki-Zo areas, asserting that passage will only be allowed after the establishment of a separate administration or a Union Territory with a legislature.
The announcement follows a declaration by the Federation of Civil Society Organisations (FOCS), a valley-based body, which plans to march towards hill districts on 8 March.
The Kuki Alliance for Nampi Awakening Movement (KANAM) has issued a stern warning to the Federation of Civil Society Organisations (FOCS), declaring that any attempt to enter Kuki territories will be met with resistance.
"Do not set foot in Kuki territories unless you are prepared to face the full consequences of your reckless provocation," KANAM stated.
Calling the planned march an "act of aggression," they asserted, "This is not a valley where Meitei mobs can roam freely and burn villages at will."
They further warned, "Your so-called expedition will not be met with flowers, but with fire."
Issuing a final warning, they declared, "Cross this line, and you will not return."
The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) had earlier imposed similar restrictions on movement within Kuki-Zo areas.
Reacting to the planned march, the Village Volunteer, Eastern Zone, issued a statement on Wednesday, saying, "There will be no free movement in Kuki-Zo areas before the establishment of a separate administration/ Union Territory with a legislature for the Kuki-Zo people."
The volunteers reiterated their commitment to defending their community, stating, "We stand firm in our commitment to protecting our people, our land and our future. Any attempt to infringe upon our rights or forcefully enter our areas will be met with strong resistance."
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The statement further condemned what it described as "relentless injustices, inhumane atrocities, and systematic oppression" inflicted upon the Kuki-Zo people. "Those who have inflicted suffering on the Kuki-Zo people, those who have taken innocent lives, and those who continue to deny our fundamental rights will not be allowed free passage into our lands," it read.
It also emphasised that the demand for a separate administration is "not just a political aspiration but a necessity for our survival, security, and dignity. We urge all concerned authorities to take note of the deep-rooted grievances and legitimate demands of the Kuki-Zo people. Until a just and lasting solution is reached, we will not allow those who have persecuted us to move freely in our territories."
The restrictions come in response to Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s directive to ensure free movement across Manipur from 8 March.
The situation remains tense as both Kuki and Meitei communities continue to maintain voluntary village volunteers, who claim to be protecting their respective areas.
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