The 15th Remembrance Day of the Kuki-Zo community was marked by a massive demonstration and solemn ceremonies aimed at drawing attention to the precarious security situation in the region. The event underscored the community's deep concerns about the proposed withdrawal of the Assam Rifles and its potential consequences for regional stability.
Thousands of Kuki-Zo people gathered in Sadar Hills at Gamgiphai, showcasing a significant turnout from across the region. The protest included a 1 km long rally that began at Gamgiphai, proceeded to Charhajare, and then returned to Gamgiphai.
The rally demanded the government reverse its decision to withdraw the Assam Rifles from the region. The Kuki-Zo community emphasized that the presence of this paramilitary force is crucial for maintaining peace and protecting them from ethnic violence.
The day concluded with a solemn ceremony honoring those Kuki-Zo who have lost their lives in the ongoing ethnic conflicts in Manipur.
On the sideline of the event, CoTU's Spokesperson Ng. Lun Kipgen said that our 15th Remembrance Day, today is marked with uncertainty, trepidation, and fear, as the Home Minister has resolved to remove the Assam Rifle from the Kukizo-dominated area.
He said that the recent decision to withdraw the Assam Rifles from Kukizo-dominated areas casts a shadow of uncertainty and fear among the local communities highlighting the pivotal role played by the Assam Rifles in maintaining peace and neutrality amid ongoing conflicts in the region since last year.
"The Assam Rifles have been instrumental in safeguarding both Kukizo and Meitei communities during these tumultuous times," said Kipgen. "They have assisted in the safe evacuation of the Kuki-Zo people from Imphal to the Hill Districts and have ensured the safety of Meitei communities from the Hills to the valley as well."
Kipgen then questioned the rationale behind the decision to replace the Assam Rifles, asking the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister, "How is it that your own force, which has maintained stability and neutrality, is being punished? Instead, plans are underway to impose other forces in the Kukizo-dominated areas."
The CoTU spokesperson stressed that their objection is not against the deployment of other central forces but against the perceived political influence exerted by the current Chief Minister of Manipur over the decision-making process.
"We urge the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister to reconsider this decision for the sake of stability and lasting peace in the region," Kipgen added.
The Committee on Tribal Unity, CoTU also vowed to resort to an extreme form of agitations if the decision for removal of the Assam Rifles - Friends of the Hills People - from the region is not reconsidered.
They emphasized that the withdrawal could potentially destabilize the area and jeopardize the ongoing peace efforts.
A complete total shutdown was imposed across Sadar Hills Kangpokpi District today. However, vehicular movement along the National Highway was exempted from the purview of the total shutdown.
The Hills Journal
K. Salbung, Churachandpur
Manipur-795128
