Why in news?
Recently, the Kuki-Zo Council decided to reopen National Highway-2 in Manipur for the free movement of commuters and essential goods after talks with the government, symbolizing a key step towards peace and cooperation in the region. 
 
Key points about the Kuki-Zo Council:

• Formation: Established in October 2024 as a unified political and social body representing the Kuki-Zo tribal groups in Manipur, India, following ethnic violence from 2023 to 2025.
• Composition: Comprises representatives of various Kuki-Zo tribes and their traditional governing councils (Inpi), serving as an umbrella organization for collective decision-making.
• Purpose: Created to coordinate governance, peace efforts, and development initiatives for the Kuki-Zo community; it seeks political dialogue and recognition of Kuki-Zo interests.
• Recent Role: Agreed in September 2025 to reopen National Highway-2 for free movement of people and essential goods, marking a significant step towards peace and cooperation with the central government.
• Demands: Engaged with the Ministry of Home Affairs for dialogues seeking separate administration, improved medical facilities, and securing the community’s rights.
• Controversy: Faces opposition from other tribal groups like the Zomi Council, who question its legitimacy and reject the “Kuki-Zo” nomenclature.
• Significance: Represents a major step in political organization and peaceful advocacy for the Kuki-Zo tribes amid regional ethnic tensions.

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