Desk Correspondent , Imphal - Two prominent Kuki-Zo organizations, including the apex civil body Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) and the banned underground faction KLA-L, have issued statements formally opposing Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand’s proposed visit to Churachandpur district this Friday. Citing the "highly sensitive and volatile" nature of the region, KIM urged the Chief Minister to defer his travel until conditions become conducive for safe engagement. The organizations further declared that any official state visits would be resisted until the political demands of the Kuki-Zo people are formally addressed by the government.

The resistance from these groups underscores the deep-seated tensions in the hill districts of Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, and Tengnoupal. While KIM’s appeal focused on public safety and constructive dialogue, the KLA-L echoed these sentiments in a separate, more rigid communique. As of now, the Chief Minister’s Office has not issued a formal response regarding whether the trip will proceed or be postponed in light of the brewing opposition.

This development occurs against the backdrop of a prolonged humanitarian crisis in Manipur, which began on May 3, 2023, following violent clashes between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. The ongoing ethnic unrest has resulted in approximately 260 deaths and the displacement of over 60,000 individuals from both sides. The current standoff highlights the immense challenges facing state leadership as they attempt to navigate a fractured political landscape and a highly militarized social environment.