In order to sustain the movement of justice for the tribal martyrs, both identified and those lying unclaimed or unidentified in Imphal, the Joint Students’ Body, Lamka, on Saturday organized ‘Silent Public Rally-cum- Coffin March.’
The Silent March began from District Hospital to Peace Ground, Tuibong, wherein the Condolence programme was held at the hut made for the ‘Wall of Remembrance’ for the Kuki-Zo tribal martyrs. Led by all the pastors in Lamka town with their respective pastoral robes and various civil society organizations such as CORSAM, ITLF, Village Chiefs, Joint Students Body, Christian Goodwill Council, Tribe leaders, Joint Philanthropic Organizations, Joint Women Union and thousands of the public, wearing black dresses.
At the site of the ‘Wall of Remembrance,’ a condolence program was held and slogans demanding Separate Administration for the Kuki-Zo tribes shouted.
The Joint Students’ Body said after the Home Minister’s visit, violence in Manipur especially in the tribal belt continues unabated despite the appeal to maintain peace, resulting in unprecedented casualties.
As the tribal martyrs, both identified and those still laying unclaimed and unidentified in Imphal morgues are yet to receive justice and are still denied the right of the dead to a dignified burial, it is imperative that justice is delivered to the tribal martyrs, and that honorable burial is necessitated for the same, in spite of the government’s lethargy in bringing about justice, stated the Joint Students’ Body.
The Joint Students’ Body comprised of the Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO), Gangte Students’ Organisation (GSO), Hmar Students’ Association (HSA), Khangthah Zuun Pawl (KZP), Mate Students’ Organisation (MSO), Mizo Zillai Pawl (MZP), Siamsinpawlpi (SSPP), Tiddim-Chin Students Association (TCSA), Thangkhal Sinlai Pawlpi (TSP), ZILLAI, Zomi Students’ Federation (ZSF) and Zou Sangnaupang Pawlpi (ZSP).
In the alleged State-sponsored ethnic cleansing campaign perpetrated by radicalized Meitei armed groups such as Arambai Tenggol and Meitei Leepun, more than 100 innocent Kuki-Zo tribals have lost their lives and about 46 civilians still missing or unidentified in Imphal areas. More than 200 villages, 355 Churches and Quarters have been burnt down by the Meiteis’ armed groups and about 50000 people internally displaced including displaced persons in neighbouring Mizoram state.
