Editor
MANIPUR : On Saturday, June 24, 2023, a poignant silent rally, known as the "coffin rally," was organized by a joint student body in Manipur to mourn and honor the tribals who have tragically lost their lives in the ongoing conflict in the region.
The conflict, which began on May 3, 2023, has resulted in a significant loss of life and widespread destruction in Manipur. The joint student body in Lamka (formerly known as Churachandpur) took the initiative to organize a solemn coffin rally on June 24, 2023, as a way to remember and pay tribute to the Kuki-Zo tribal members who fell victim to the ethnic violence in Manipur.
In a powerful display of solidarity, thousands of people dressed in black attire participated in the rally. The mourners silently marched for a distance of three kilometers, tracing the route from the District Hospital mortuary to the Peace Ground in Tuibong, which is in close proximity to the Lamka district's mini-secretariat. As a poignant symbol of the more than 100 tribal lives lost in the ongoing struggle, the participants carried 100 dummy coffins during the rally.
The demand for separate administration in Manipur remains resolute, with the belief that it is the most practical means to safeguard the welfare of the people, preserve their unique culture, and establish lasting peace in the region.
In a separate incident, Kuki-Zo protesters from Manipur faced obstacles when they were prevented from boarding buses in Munirka, which were headed towards the protest site at Jantar Mantar in Delhi. The demonstrators had announced plans to stage a protest on June 24, drawing attention to the dire situation in Manipur.
Since May 3, 2023, ethnic conflicts have ravaged the northeastern state of Manipur, leaving a trail of divisiveness and violence. The ongoing turmoil has resulted in a confirmed death toll of at least 73 individuals, numerous homes destroyed, and a significant displacement of thousands of people.
To address the situation, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has convened an all-party meeting in Delhi on June 24 at 3 p.m. The meeting aims to facilitate discussions among various political parties regarding the current state of affairs in Manipur.
During the all-party meeting, Amit Shah reportedly expressed that the Manipur situation is gradually returning to normal, with no reported deaths since June 13. Sources indicate that all participating parties offered suggestions for the restoration of peace in Manipur, approaching the matter with sensitivity and non-partisanship.
As the coffin rally concludes, the collective mourning and calls for peace in Manipur continue. The region awaits further developments and initiatives aimed at restoring harmony and stability.