Kuki-Zo Community Observes Remembrance Day with Eight-Point Declaration

With deep reverence and solemnity, the Kuki-Zo community, under the banner of the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), observed the 22nd Remembrance Day here at Martyrs' Cemetery in Phaijang, Sadar Hills, Kangpokpi District.

The observance pays tribute to the brave souls who laid down their lives in past struggles, ensuring that their sacrifices are never forgotten.

Amid prayers, wreath-laying, and emotional tributes, the community also extended its support to victims of the ongoing conflict through the fifth phase of Jangnadop, a humanitarian initiative spearheaded by the Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights (KWOHR). This initiative continues to provide much-needed aid to those affected by the unrest.

In a show of unity and respect, the entire district came to a standstill, with all shops, business establishments, private institutions, and educational institutions remaining closed for the day. The observance was further marked by a crucial Public Consultative Meeting, where key stakeholders gathered to deliberate on the challenges facing the community and the path forward.

CoTU General Secretary Lamminlun Singsit delivered a resounding speech, asserting that the Kuki-Zo people's fight for justice and identity "cannot be silenced."

He also proclaimed an Eight-Point Declaration adopted at the public Consultative meet during the solemn occasion of the 22nd Remembrance Day at Martyrs' Cemetery Phaijang Sadar Hills, solidifying the community’s resolve to achieve Separate Administration.

The Eight-Point Declaration:

1. We shall not rest, we shall not falter, and we shall not surrender until Separate Administration is achieved. This is our destiny.
2. No free movement shall be permitted in Kuki-Zo area until a solution that respects our rights and aspirations is reached.
3. Our fight for Separate Administration will be relentless. We will mobilize, protest, and resist with every democratic means at our disposal. Nothing will deter us.
4. No individual shall place self-interest above the collective cause. Any betrayal in favor of the government shall be considered an act of treachery against the Kuki-Zo people.
5. The Manipur Governor must retract his statement against Separate Administration. His meeting with Arambai Tenggol does not determine our fate.
6. No Kuki-Zo volunteer shall be arrested. Any such action will be met with consequences, and the DC and SP shall bear full responsibility for any unjust arrests.
7. If the government dares to impose peace forcefully without addressing the Kuki-Zo political issue, we will unleash total resistance. The ruling government will face absolute and irreversible boycott.
8. Our demand for Separate Administration in the form of a Union Territory with Legislature is final. We will not negotiate, we will not compromise, and we will not retreat.

"This is not a plea. This is not a request. This is a declaration of an unstoppable movement," Singsit proclaimed, sending a clear and resounding message to both the government and the world.

As the Kuki-Zo people stand together in remembrance and resilience, today’s events reflect their unwavering commitment to honoring the past while striving for justice and peace.