Imphal, September 10 (NationPress) The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), the leading body representing the Kuki-Zo tribal community in Manipur, expressed a warm welcome to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's anticipated visit to Imphal and Churachandpur district on September 13.

KZC Chairman Henlianthang Thanglet and General Secretary Thangzamang described this as a historic and rare event, marking nearly four decades since a Prime Minister last set foot in the tribal region.

In a joint statement, the leaders emphasized the significant hardships faced by the Kuki-Zo community throughout the years.

“Over 250 innocent lives have been lost; more than 360 churches and places of worship have been destroyed; over 7,000 homes have been set ablaze; and over 40,000 individuals remain displaced in relief camps, away from their ancestral lands,” they noted.

The statement highlighted the painful reality that the Kuki-Zo people have been forcibly separated due to the actions and aggression of the majority community in Manipur.

“Even in these dire circumstances, we continue to believe in the democratic spirit and leadership of India. For years, we have advocated for complete separation from Manipur, aiming for a separate administration in the form of a Union Territory with a legislature under Article 239A of the Indian Constitution,” the KZC reiterated.

The apex tribal body asserted that this demand stems not from convenience but from a crucial need for peace, security, and the survival of their community.

“As the leader of our great nation, we trust that the Prime Minister will recognize our voice, our suffering, and our aspirations. We place our faith in your leadership to heal our wounds, restore our dignity, and protect the future of the Kuki-Zo people,” stated the KZC leaders.

Additionally, Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla met with five MLAs from the Kuki-Zo communities on Tuesday to discuss the potential visit of the Prime Minister on September 13.

A police official confirmed the meeting in Churachandpur, indicating that it revolved around the Prime Minister’s impending visit and the necessary arrangements in the district.

However, civil and police officials have not disclosed the details of the meeting.

The five Kuki-Zo legislators represent Assembly constituencies in Churachandpur and Pherzawl districts, areas predominantly inhabited by the Kuki-Zo tribal population.

On September 7, Bhalla also met with BJP MLAs from the Imphal Valley, including former Chief Minister N Biren Singh, BJP state President Adhikarimayum Sharda Devi, Chief Secretary, Director General of Police, Security advisor, and Home Commissioner.

Officials and BJP leaders in Manipur mentioned that PM Modi’s visit to Manipur has not yet received final confirmation from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

According to recent media reports, the Prime Minister is expected to visit Manipur on September 13, marking his first visit since the ethnic violence erupted between Meiteis and Kukis in May 2023.

Reports suggest that the Prime Minister will also visit Aizawl, the capital of Mizoram, to inaugurate the newly constructed 51.38 km Bairabi-Sairang railway project, before proceeding to Imphal and Churachandpur.

A grand stage is being erected at Kangla Fort in the heart of Imphal, while beautification efforts are underway in various areas of the Imphal West district.

Meanwhile, the Churachandpur district administration has banned the use of aerial devices such as drones, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), balloons, and other flying objects ahead of the “VVIP visit.”

Churachandpur District Magistrate Dharun Kumar S issued an order on September 4, declaring the entire hill district as a ‘No Drone Zone’ area.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma previously announced that the Prime Minister is expected to undertake a two-day visit to Assam on September 13-14. PM Modi's visit is centered around the birth centenary celebrations of cultural icon and Bharat Ratna Bhupen Hazarika, with inaugurations planned for September 13 in Guwahati.