The Kuki-Zo community across the Sadar Hills of Kangpokpi District took to the streets today in protest against a proposed plan to withdraw the Assam Rifles from the state and against Chief Minister N. Biren Singh’s attempt to pass through Kuki-Zo dominated Kangpokpi for his scheduled visit to Senapati District on August 3.
Thousands of demonstrators gathered at Gamgiphai, the buffer zone between Kangpokpi and Imphal West, staging a series of protests, including a sit-in, to voice their opposition to the alleged proposal to replace the Assam Rifles with other central forces. The Kuki-Zo people argue that the Assam Rifles are a neutral force essential for maintaining peace and order in their areas.
The protesters were particularly incensed by the Chief Minister’s plans to pass through Kangpokpi on his way to a meeting in Senapati, a neighbouring district. The Kuki-Zo community views this move as provocative and unacceptable, given their accusations against N. Biren Singh of orchestrating violence against their community.
On the sidelines of the protest, Ng. Lun Kipgen, spokesperson for the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), expressed strong scepticism over the Chief Minister's recent meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Kipgen questioned the motives behind the Chief Minister’s complaints against the Assam Rifles, asking Prime Minister Modi why he continues to listen to N. Biren Singh.
"What does this entail for him and about the situation of Manipur, where his own man, the Assam Rifles, has been known to maintain neutrality in discharging their duties throughout this country, and why does he plan to listen to N. Biren Singh?" Kipgen asked.
He reiterated the Kuki-Zo community's firm opposition to the withdrawal of the Assam Rifles, emphasizing the need for a neutral force under the command of the Union Home Minister to ensure stability in their region.
In a direct appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Kipgen urged the central government to reconsider its support for the current Manipur administration. "It is enough, Modiji, look at the person who has lost you two seats in the parliamentary election. Why do you still listen to him? Isn't it enough?" he asserted, criticizing the governance of N. Biren Singh and alleging alliances with armed militias that jeopardize law and order.
"Please, Modiji, do not force the Kuki-Zo community to be in such a government. We need a valid administrative setup within the Kuki-Zo-dominated area," Kipgen added.
Meanwhile, vehemently opposing and warning Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh against attempting to pass through Kuki-Zo dominated areas, the Kuki-Zo community emphasized that the Chief Minister, whom they accuse of masterminding violence against their community, is not welcome in their lands.
CoTU's Spokesperson Ng. Lun Kipgen said that the Kuki-Zo community will never, ever accept the passage or thoroughfare of the incumbent Chief Minister, who has been the mastermind of mass genocide to pass through our land.
This bold declaration comes amid rising tensions as Chief Minister N. Biren Singh is reported to hold a meeting at Senapati, a neighboring district of Kangpokpi tomorrow.
The committee has appealed to authorities to dissuade the Chief Minister from entering their territory, highlighting the potential for unrest and conflict.
The protests highlight the escalating tensions in the region, as the Kuki-Zo community stands firm in their opposition to the Chief Minister's planned passage through their territory.
As the situation unfolds, the demand for a separate administrative setup by the Kuki-Zo people remains a key point of contention, reflecting their desire for autonomy and protection from perceived threats.
The Hills Journal
K. Salbung, Churachandpur
Manipur-795128
