News Reporter
Kangpokpi, Manipur, 2 August, 2024— The Kuki-Zo community in the Sadar Hills of Kangpokpi District staged a large-scale protest today, opposing the proposed withdrawal of the Assam Rifles from Manipur and Chief Minister N. Biren Singh's planned route through their area on August 3.
Thousands of demonstrators gathered at Gamgiphai, the buffer zone between Kangpokpi and Imphal West, engaging in sit-ins and vocal protests. They strongly opposed the alleged plan to replace the Assam Rifles with other central forces, asserting that the Assam Rifles serve as a neutral force essential for maintaining peace and order in their region.
The protesters expressed particular outrage at Chief Minister Biren Singh's intention to pass through Kangpokpi on his way to Senapati District. The Kuki-Zo community views this as a provocative act, citing accusations against the Chief Minister of inciting violence against their people.
Ng. Lun Kipgen, spokesperson for the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), expressed deep mistrust of the Chief Minister's recent meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Kipgen questioned the motives behind the complaints against the Assam Rifles and called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to reconsider his support for Biren Singh.
"Why does he plan to listen to N. Biren Singh?" Kipgen asked. "We need a neutral force under the Union Home Minister to ensure stability in our region."
Kipgen further criticized Biren Singh's governance, alleging alliances with armed militias that jeopardize law and order. He urged Prime Minister Modi to recognize the negative impact of Biren Singh's administration on the Kuki-Zo community.
"Modiji, do not force the Kuki-Zo community to be under such a government. We need a valid administrative setup within the Kuki-Zo-dominated area," Kipgen added.
The Kuki-Zo community has warned Chief Minister Biren Singh against attempting to pass through their areas, emphasizing that he is not welcome in their lands due to his alleged role in violence against their community.