Sit-in protests Zosangkim's killing; shutdown today
Source: Chronicle News Service / Kaimuanthang Mangte

CCpur, November 11 2024: Zomi Mothers' Association (ZMA), Hmar Women Association (HWA), Kuki Women Organisation (KWO), ITLF Women Wing and Mizo People's Convention women wing jointly organised sit-in-protest on Monday at Lamka Public ground to denounce the killing of Zosangkim Hmar.

Zosangkim (31), wife of Ngurthansang Hmar of Zairawn village in Jiribam district, lost her life in a violent incident occurred on November 7 evening.

She left behind three children namely son Franky Lalchawisang (3 years) and two daughters Victoria Laldomawi (9) and Lalringdik (7) .

After the protest, a memorandum addressed to chairperson of the National Commission for Women was submitted through the Churachandpur district official.

The memorandum highlighted gross human rights violation particularly against women in the protracted crisis in Manipur.

It further said the conflict since May 3, 2023 has been witnessing rape, torture and killing of innocent people including women.

On the night of November 7, 2024, the peaceful Zairawn village was attacked and Zosangkim Hmar was killed by the perpetrators without any sense of humanity, the memorandum said and cited the Zairawn village incident as another case of brutality against Kuki-Zomi-Hmar people in the ongoing crisis.

The memorandum also said that it is time for the National Commission for Women to wake up against victimization of women amidst chaos and carnage of warfare and urged to deliver justice to women victims of the present crisis in Manipur.

Meanwhile, Kuki-Zo Council has announced total shutdown in Kuki-Zo inhabited areas from 5am to 6pm on Tuesday to protest the death of 11 Kuki-Zo village volunteers in the hands of CRPF personnel in a Jiribam district area on Monday.

According to a press release issued by the Council, the total shutdown is being imposed in honour of the victims and "to express our collective grief and solidarity for those who were brutally shot dead" .

It added: "the loss of our precious Kuki-Zo lives is not only a devastating blow to the families, but to the entire Kuki-Zo community who stand united in our pursuit of peace, justice, and security" .

Strongly condemning the violence on Monday, the Kuki-Zo Council "called for immediate and thorough investigations to bring the perpetrators to justice" .

It then extended its deepest condolences to the families of the victims and "stand with them in their time of mourning" .

"Let us come together as a community, not in anger, but in solidarity, as we seek justice for those who have been lost," stated the Council, while informing that movement of medical personnel, ambulances, media, electric and water supply services will be exempted during the shutdown.

Comment