Manipur: Kuki-Zo community champions self-reliance with inauguration of Koubru Roofing and Allied Industries

Amid the ongoing turmoil in Manipur, the inauguration of the Koubru Roofing and Allied Industries in Ngahmun Village, Kangpokpi District, marks a significant milestone in the Kuki-Zo community’s fight for autonomy and economic self-reliance. 

The venture, spearheaded by Ngahmun Village Chief Thangboi Kipgen, addresses critical infrastructure needs and strengthens the community’s broader movement for a separate administration.

Months of ethnic violence have disrupted lives, severed trade links, and heightened the challenges faced by the Kuki-Zo people in accessing essential materials, including roofing and construction supplies, typically procured from the Meitei-dominated valley. 

The establishment of the local manufacturing unit is seen as a proactive response to these challenges, aimed at fostering economic independence and resilience.

The facility will produce diverse roofing materials, including Diana Roofing, wall liners, and tin sheets in multiple colors, catering to local construction demands and reducing reliance on external suppliers. Speaking at the inauguration, Rev. Sholal Touthang emphasized the project’s symbolic and practical importance: “This industry is a beacon of hope, representing our community’s resolve to thrive and forge a path forward despite adversity.”

Dedicated to the Kuki-Zo people and their aspirations, the initiative also aligns with the larger Kuki-Zo Separate Administration movement, underscoring the community’s capacity to create self-sustaining systems. It is anticipated that the industry will generate employment, boost local enterprise, and inspire other similar initiatives across the region.

The project’s launch was marked by a prayer and a ribbon-cutting ceremony, reflecting the spiritual and communal significance of the endeavor. For many, it symbolizes the Kuki-Zo community’s resilience and determination to preserve their identity and autonomy amidst conflict.

By prioritizing infrastructure and reducing dependency on the state’s centralized systems, the Koubru Roofing and Allied Industries initiative exemplifies the Kuki-Zo people’s readiness to govern and develop independently. 

This milestone not only supports the immediate needs of the region but also serves as a tangible step toward the Kuki-Zo movement’s core goals—autonomy, economic sustainability, and cultural preservation.

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