The Manipur government has agreed to pay ex-gratia compensation of ₹10 lakh each to the next of kin of 32 Kuki-Zo civilians killed in violence attributed to the NSCN-IM and ZUF-K, the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) — the apex body of the Kuki-Zo tribal community in the state — announced on Saturday, 31 October. The commitment emerged from a formal meeting held at the District Magistrate's office in Churachandpur on Friday between KZC leaders and government representatives.

Key Commitments from the Government

According to a KZC statement, the government agreed to two immediate measures: payment of the ex-gratia amount to bereaved families, and transportation of the bodies of all deceased to their respective villages for final rites. Both arrangements are expected to be completed within seven days, the council said.

The KZC noted that eight bodies of Kuki-Zo victims are currently lying in the morgue of Churachandpur District Hospital after a prolonged period, while some others have already been buried due to what the council described as unavoidable circumstances.

What the Kuki-Zo Council Said

'During the meeting, KZC presented its concerns regarding the prevailing situation and the grievances of the Kuki-Zo people. Following extensive deliberations, the government agreed to provide ex-gratia compensation to the next of kin of 32 Kuki-Zo civilians who lost their lives in violence attributed to NSCN-IM and ZUF-K,' the KZC statement read.

While welcoming the commitments on compensation and body transportation as steps addressing immediate concerns, the KZC emphasised that broader grievances and the legitimate political aspirations of the Kuki-Zo people require 'concrete and time-bound action.' The council said it would continue to pursue these matters until meaningful outcomes are achieved.

Missing Youths and Abduction Allegations

Separately, Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen on Saturday urged authorities to trace and rescue two Kuki youths who reportedly went missing from Kangpokpi district on the evening of 28 October. The two men — identified as Tinginlun Chongloi, 21, and Paoginlal Hangshing, 20 — were allegedly abducted by unidentified miscreants near Taphou Kuki village.

'It is deeply distressing that young lives are being put at risk in this manner. I urge the authorities concerned to make every possible effort to trace their whereabouts and secure their safe and unconditional release at the earliest. Those responsible must be identified and brought to justice,' Kipgen said.

Shutdown Hits Kangpokpi, National Highway Disrupted

In protest against the reported abduction, the Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU) called a 48-hour shutdown in Kangpokpi district, beginning at 5 pm on Thursday. The shutdown disrupted vehicular movement along the Imphal-Dimapur National Highway (NH-2), with shops, markets, and business establishments remaining closed. COTU alleged that the two youths had been abducted by 'Naga militants.'

Broader Context

This comes amid the prolonged ethnic conflict in Manipur that has claimed hundreds of lives and displaced tens of thousands since violence erupted in May 2023. The ex-gratia agreement marks one of the more concrete governmental acknowledgements of civilian casualties attributed to armed groups in the hills. Notably, the KZC's insistence on time-bound political responses signals that compensation alone is unlikely to satisfy the community's deeper demands for autonomy and security arrangements.