Thousands of people from the Kuki-Zo community in Manipur’s Churachandpur, Kangpokpi and Tengnoupal districts on Monday gathered to demand a solution to the ongoing violence and a separate administration for them, amidst tightened security measures.
The rally, organized by the Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF), saw participants chanting slogans such as “no political solution, no peace” as they marched from the Public Ground to the Peace Ground, a distance of about 3 km, in Churachandpur district. The protesters also expressed their opposition to the cancellation of the Free Movement Regime with neighbouring Myanmar, which was scrapped by the Central government in February.
BJP MLA Paolienlal Haokip from Saikot emphasized the need for the government to engage directly in resolving issues, stating that “for lasting peace, the government must engage directly in resolving issues.” He stressed that the Kuki-Zo community had persistently sought peace through various central channels, yet it remained elusive.
In Kangpokpi district, the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) organized a rally at Thomas Ground, where participants from across the district displayed banners advocating for a “political solution” for the Kuki-Zo people. Meanwhile, in Tengnoupal district, the Kuki Inpi Tengnoupal conducted a similar rally.
Kuki-Zo Community Rallies in Manipur
The cancellation of the Free Movement Regime, which allowed people from the North East to cross the border without restrictions, has caused resentment among the Kuki-Zo community. The Indian government’s decision to fence the over 1,600 km stretch of the Indo-Myanmar border falling in the North East has also been met with protests from various communities.
The rallies were held amidst tightened security measures, with Central and state forces deployed at key points to prevent any untoward incidents. A memorandum seeking a political solution for the Kuki-Zo community was submitted to Union Home Minister Amit Shah via Churachandpur Deputy Commissioner Dharun Kumar.
The Kuki-Zo community has been demanding a separate administration and a political solution to their issues, which they claim has been ignored by the government. The community has been facing unrest and violence in recent years, with the Indian government’s efforts to strengthen its grip on the North East sparking resentment among various communities. The ongoing rallies and protests are a reflection of the community’s frustration and demand for a solution to their longstanding issues.
