5th remembrance day observed
Source: The Sangai Express
Kangpokpi, October 03 2023:
As the Kuki-Zo people across Kangpokpi district observed the fifth remembrance day today, they demanded the Centre for settlement of their political aspirations for the sake of justice and long-lasting peace.
The fifth remembrance day was held at Brig M Thomas Ground, Kangpokpi town under the aegis of the Committee on Tribal Unity Sadar Hills.
As a part of the observation, CoTU also imposed a 15-hour total shutdown in the entire district apart from displaying a coffin rally and candlelight vigil to pay tribute to the Kuki-Zo Martyrs.
CoTU's General Secretary, Lamminlun Singsit gave the welcome and keynote address as the village volunteers displayed the coffin rally while Rev Lamkeng Lhouvum, Chairman of Kangpokpi District Tribal Churches Forum dedicated the coffin and altars or offerings for the Kuki-Zo people.
A one-minute silence was observed by the gathering as the village volunteers laid the coffins and various prominent Kuki-Zo leaders put a garland each over the coffins as a mark of respect and tribute to the Kuki-Zo martyrs.
Reverend Prim Vaiphei, former President of All Manipur Christian Organization, who is also among the last Kuki-Zo evacuated from Imphal attended the event as the main speaker.
CoTU's Media Cell Coordinator, Ng Lun Kipgen said that the fifth Remembrance Day was observed to commemorate and pay respect to the departed souls who died in the ongoing communal conflict.
He further said that the Centre must not play partisan politics over the Manipur crisis, and stop using a prescriptive policy of giving weightage to one community over the other.
He appealed to the Central investigating agencies to be impartial in delivering justice.
'To find a way forward, the Centre must impose the President's Rule or remove the incompetent Chief Minister and reconsider its decision and impose AFSPA in the entire state including the 19 Police Stations which have been exempted from the disturbed areas tag', he maintained.
Various prominent Kuki-Zo leaders, village chiefs, civil society organizations also attended the fifth remembrance event.