A 7 Km. long massive rally from Keithelmanbi Military Colony to Kangpokpi District Headquarters culminated peacefully without any untoward incidents today in Sadar Hills Kangpokpi District.
The protest rally was part of the Nationwide Rally organized today by the Kuki Students’ Organisation against the “Manipur Tapes”, which allegedly implicate the Chief Minister in state-sponsored ethnic cleansing against the Kuki-Zo community and to expedite Kuki-Zo Union Territory.
The massive rally in Sadar Hills Kangpokpi District participated by thousands of the Kuki-Zo community across the District, was organized under the aegis of Kuki Students’ Organisation Sadar Hills Kangpokpi District, supported and endorsed by various tribe organisations, including Thadou Students’ Association, Zillai, Gangte Students’ Organisation, CoTU, SAHILCA, etc.
The massive rally began at noon, with thousands of participants marching along National Highway 2 on foot and reaching the District Headquarters at around 2:00 pm. Upon arrival, a memorandum addressed to the Prime Minister was submitted through the District Commissioner (DC) of Kangpokpi, who received it on the National Highway.
All business establishments, and private institutions including schools were closed during the protest rally while Government institutions were partially affected.
The district police monitor the movement of the rally and traffic flow.
The Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO) Sadar Hills Kangpokpi District, in its memorandum submitted to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, called for the immediate arrest of Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh over his alleged involvement in the “Manipur Tapes” and demanded the creation of a Union Territory for the Kuki-Zo tribals. The memorandum also highlighted ongoing ethnic violence and alleged persecution of the Kuki-Zo community by the majority Meetei community since May 3, 2023.
The KSO accused Chief Minister N Biren Singh of openly admitting to leading a violent campaign against the Kuki-Zo community, referencing a recently surfaced audio recording in which the Chief Minister allegedly boasts about orchestrating attacks on Kuki-Zo villages with the support of state forces. The students’ body argues that this recording proves the complicity of the Manipur government in the violence against the Kuki-Zo minority.
Key Demands Outlined in the Memorandum:
1. Immediate Arrest of CM N Biren Singh: The KSO demands the immediate arrest and criminal investigation of the Chief Minister, supervised by the Supreme Court of India, and accountability for all ministers and officials involved in the violence against the Kuki-Zo community.
2. Strengthening of Buffer Zones: The KSO emphasized the crucial role of the Assam Rifles in maintaining peace and protecting vulnerable areas. They urged the government to reinforce the presence of this neutral force, expressing concerns that other central armed police forces are not adequately equipped to manage the situation.
3. Interim Administration for Kuki-Zo Areas: Highlighting the dire administrative and infrastructural conditions in Kuki-Zo areas, which remain cut off from Manipur’s capital, Imphal, the KSO proposed an interim central administration to address immediate needs and prevent further lawlessness.
4. Formation of Union Territory with Legislature: The KSO asserted that the current situation demonstrates the inability of the Kuki-Zo and Meetei communities to coexist peacefully. They demanded the creation of a separate Union Territory with its own legislature to ensure the security and developmental needs of the Kuki-Zo people.
The memorandum concludes with a plea for Prime Minister Modi’s immediate intervention, stating that these measures are essential for the safety and future of the Kuki-Zo community amid ongoing ethnic violence and persecution.
In connection with the rally and memorandum submitted to the Prime Minister, KSO Sadar Hills Kangpokpi District General Secretary, K. Shongreng urged the Centre Government to expedite the genuine demands of the community stating that these measures are essential for the safety and future of the Kuki-Zo community.
