Manipur Tapes: Mass Protests Erupt Over Leaked Audio, Kuki-Zo Demand for Union Territory Intensifies

Hundreds of Kuki-Zo protesters took to the streets in Gamgiphai, Sadar Hills Kangpokpi District, on Friday, intensifying their demand for the creation of a Union Territory (UT) with legislative powers under Article 239A of the Indian Constitution. The protest was triggered by leaked audio tapes allegedly involving Manipur's Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, which has sparked widespread controversy and outrage.

Organized by the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) in Sadar Hills Kangpokpi District, the protest also served as a show of support for the 10 Kuki-Zo MLAs who have called for the prosecution of the Chief Minister if the allegations linked to the audio tapes are proven true. The tapes have further fueled accusations against N. Biren Singh, with protesters labeling him a "21st Century Adolf Hitler" and demanding his immediate persecution.

Protesters, predominantly women, carried banners and shouted slogans such as "Save Democracy in Meiteipur, Implement Article 239A for the Kuki-Zo," and "Save Democracy: Impose President's Rule (Article 356 of the Constitution of India)." The demonstrators also renewed their call for the imposition of President's Rule, arguing that the current state leadership under N. Biren Singh has failed to protect the rights and safety of the Kuki-Zo community.

Kaiminlen Sitlhou, CoTU's spokesperson, issued a scathing statement during the protest, accusing the Manipur government of orchestrating a campaign of ethnic persecution against the Kuki-Zo people since May 3, 2023. "The truth about the Manipur Government's complicity in the ongoing ethnic persecution of the Kuki-Zo people has now surfaced for the whole world to see," Sitlhou declared.

Sitlhou emphasized that the use of state machinery against its own citizens reflects a deep-seated lawlessness within the current administration. "Lawlessness prevails when leaders turn the machinery of the state against the people it is meant to protect," he asserted, highlighting the community's growing distrust in the Manipur government.

Addressing Union Home Minister Amit Shah directly, Sitlhou reminded him that despite N. Biren Singh being considered a trusted ally, the Chief Minister failed to secure two key parliamentary seats in recent elections, signaling widespread dissatisfaction with his leadership. Sitlhou also accused N. Biren Singh of defying Shah’s directives by using bombs against the Kuki-Zo people, further escalating tensions.

In light of these developments, CoTU reiterated its demand for a Union Territory with legislative powers under Article 239A of the Constitution. "We demand separation from such a biased government and hegemonic leadership as we can no longer endure the oppression," Sitlhou affirmed, stressing that this remains the only viable path forward for the Kuki-Zo people to achieve justice and security.

The protest marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between the Kuki-Zo community and the Manipur government, as tensions continue to rise in the region.