Churachandpur, August 19: Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla visited Churachandpur district headquarters on Tuesday as part of an official review of ongoing activities in the state, interacting with MLAs, civil society organizations (CSOs) representatives, local leaders, and students.
In the morning, the governor inspected the Zalenphai prefabricated residential settlement before holding a series of meetings with local stakeholders. He first conferred privately with three legislators from the district — L.M. Khaute of Churachandpur, Chinlunthang of Singngat and Letzamang Haokip of Henglep — at the Deputy Commissioner’s chamber.
Later, at the Mini Secretariat’s conference hall, the Governor met with representatives of CSOs, local leaders, district-level officers and student unions. Groups such as the Zomi Council (ZC) reiterated earlier demands placed before the state government, while the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) raised public concerns affecting the wider Kuki-Zo region. Student representatives also presented their grievances to the governor.
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Among the CSOs that met with Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, the Zomi Council (ZC) in its memoranda urged the Governor to act on three memoranda submitted earlier this year that called for political dialogue, justice for victims of ethnic violence, intervention in the ongoing displacement crisis, and the establishment of an airstrip in Lamka.
The delegation expressed frustration that despite repeated appeals on January 7, May 3 and July 18, the suffering of thousands of displaced families in makeshift shelters remains unaddressed.
The Council also pressed for the creation of a single-window office in Lamka to replace poorly functioning online grievance portals, citing limited internet access and unreliable electricity as barriers for students and government employees.
Later in the day, ZC leaders met Lt. Gen. Vikas Lakhera, Director General of Assam Rifles, to discuss security concerns. The DGAR assured cooperation, while the delegation emphasized that “the people are our best security” and urged genuine political and administrative solutions instead of symbolic security measures.
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On the other hand, the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) also held a meeting with Manipur Governor at the Conference Hall of the Deputy Commissioner’s Office in Churachandpur, raising 16 major issues affecting the Kuki-Zo inhabited areas.
The delegation highlighted urgent needs ranging from infrastructure to public services. Key concerns included upgrading electricity capacity in Kangpokpi and Churachandpur, repairing local roads, addressing landslides along the Tipaimukh road, and developing key roadways connecting Churachandpur to Chandel and Kangpokpi.
The Council also pressed for the appointment of a neutral Advocate General in the Manipur High Court and a neutral Deputy Commissioner in Chandel district. Other demands included rectifying anomalies in district offices, establishing a Manipur Public Service Examination centre in Kuki-Zo districts, and clearing salary arrears of over 10 months for staff at Moreh College and SEMCO College in Tengnoupal and Chandel.
Healthcare, education and connectivity were also on the agenda. The delegation called for improvements in Moreh’s healthcare facilities, more reliable helicopter services in hill districts, clearance of pending student scholarships, and construction of a bridge over the Imphal River in Chandel.
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Governor Bhalla assured the delegation that their concerns would be taken up with due priority. The KZC expressed gratitude to the Governor for his time and to the Deputy Commissioner of Churachandpur for facilitating the meeting.
Later in the day, the KZC Cabinet paid a courtesy visit to Lt. Gen. Vikas Lakhera, Director General of Assam Rifles, at the 27 Sector Headquarters in Tuibong. Discussions focused on maintaining security and stability in Kuki-Zo areas.