Imphal, Sept. 10 -- The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) has welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Manipur - a "historic and a rare occasion."

In a statement on Wednesday, KZC Chairman Henlianthang Thanglet and General Secretary Thangzamang underscored the hardships faced by the Kuki-Zo community.

"The stark reality is that the Kuki-Zo people have been forcibly separated by the actions and aggression of the majority community in Manipur. Despite these grave circumstances, we continue to uphold our faith in the democratic spirit and leadership of India," the council said.

The KZC pressed its demand for complete separation from Manipur, asking for a Union Territory with a legislature under Article 239A of the Constitution.

The council f...