Imphal, Feb 8 (NationPress) The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), representing the Kuki-Zo communities, has issued a warning to all employees from both state and Central governments, as well as those in the private sector, advising them against traveling to or accepting postings in areas dominated by the Meitei community at this time.

Five to six districts in the Imphal Valley, including the state capital, Imphal, are primarily inhabited by non-tribal Meitei community members.

The KZC emphasized that the ongoing conflict between the Kuki-Zo people and the Meiteis remains unresolved, stating that there is currently no political agreement or formal settlement to address the underlying issues of the conflict or to ensure the safety of the Kuki-Zo community.

“The situation on the ground is still fragile, tense, and unpredictable,” the statement indicated.

The KZC also pointed out that with the establishment of a new government led by the Meitei community, there is a significant chance that employees could be assigned to work in Meitei-majority areas.

“We strongly advise all employees affiliated with state or Central government, public sector undertakings, or private companies to refrain from traveling, reporting for duty, or accepting postings in these regions, regardless of any official directives,” the statement further advised.

This advisory was issued purely to protect human life.

“Life is invaluable, and no job, posting, or administrative order is worth jeopardizing one’s safety during this critical time. Without a reliable political resolution or mutually agreed terms, safe travel and coexistence cannot be assured,” it stated.

The KZC urged authorities to acknowledge the current realities and act responsibly to prevent any risk to lives. Until peace is achieved through justice and a sustainable political resolution, all parties must exercise extreme caution, as stated by the tribal organization.

Following the swearing-in of the new Chief Minister, Yumnam Khemchand Singh, on February 4, various Kuki-Zo organizations have staged protests, including shutdowns, across multiple hill districts, especially in Churachandpur, in reaction to the involvement of their community MLAs in the new government.

Demonstrations, rallies, and the burning of effigies have also been reported in Tengnoupal and other hill regions.

Organizations leading the protests include the Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO), Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights (KWOHR), Joint Forum of Seven (JF7), among other Kuki-Zo groups.

On the evening of February 5, violent clashes occurred between protesters and security personnel at Tuibong Bazaar and the Forest Gate areas in Churachandpur district, leading to baton charges and tear gas deployment to disperse the crowd. At least five individuals sustained injuries during the confrontations.

According to police reports, the protesters, primarily youths, set fire to discarded materials and tyres while chanting slogans against Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen, a BJP MLA from the Kuki-Zo community.

Tensions have persisted in Churachandpur and other hill districts since February 4, following Kipgen's oath-taking as Deputy Chief Minister from Manipur Bhavan in New Delhi.

Kipgen is the sole female member in the Yumnam Khemchand Singh cabinet, which took office on Wednesday.

Out of the ten Kuki-Zo MLAs, three—Nemcha Kipgen, L.M. Khaute, and Ngursanglur Sanate—have participated in the government formation process. Seven of these MLAs are affiliated with the BJP, while the remaining three are linked to local Kuki-Zo organizations.

Kipgen, Khaute, and Sanate attended the seventh session of the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly on February 5.