Editor
Churachandpur, Manipur: Thousands of Kuki-Zo people took to the streets on Thursday, staging a massive rally in Churachandpur district to press their demand for a separate administration in the midst of the ongoing ethnic conflict in the state.
Organized by the Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum (ITLF) and other Kuki-Zo groups, the rally commenced from the Churachandpur public ground and culminated at the Peace Ground in Tuibong, spanning a distance of approximately 3 kilometers. During the protest, the participants donned black attire as a symbol of mourning and determination.
Chants and slogans filled the air as the protesters voiced their demands for separation from Manipur while vehemently denouncing the state government led by Chief Minister Biren Singh, along with radical Meitei groups such as Arambai Tenggol and Meetei Leepun.
The leaders of ITLF addressed the crowd, emphasizing the urgent need for "total separation" from Manipur to safeguard the interests and safety of the Kuki-Zo community amidst the ongoing violence. At the conclusion of the rally, the demonstrators submitted a memorandum to the Union government through the Deputy Commissioner of the district, articulating their demands for autonomy.
The ethnic clashes in Manipur have persisted for over two months, resulting in a devastating toll with nearly 150 lives lost and tens of thousands displaced. The situation has escalated tensions and sparked fervent demands for a separate administration to ensure the security and well-being of the Kuki-Zo people.
The rally stands as a powerful demonstration of the community's unity and determination in the face of adversity. As the situation in Manipur remains critical, the authorities must take heed of the demands expressed during the protest and work towards a peaceful resolution to end the violence and foster harmony among all ethnic groups in the state.