36 hurt in Kuki-Zomi clashes; ITLF, ZC in stalemate
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, December 19 2023: At least 36 persons were left injured in a fierce clash between Kuki and Zomi tribes at Churachandpur town on Monday night leading to promulgation of restrictions under Section 144 of CrPC.

DC Churachandpur also wrote to the home department suggesting restriction on internet service in the district for five days.

The clash stemmed from a disagreement over naming of the burial site of those killed in the ethnic clash.

Police source said that some youths of Zomi community hoisted a Zomi flag and spray-painted Zogam (Zoland) slogans near the memorial stone at Thingkangphai village on Monday around 9.15 pm.

The move drew flak and sharp reaction from the Kuki community, as several youths came out and engaged in shoving and scuffling with the Zomi youths.

Upon receiving information, around 1000 youths of Zomi community showed by and staged protest in front of the Thingkangphai village chief's house where large number of Kuki people from Tuibong area also came resulting in a clash.

Quick Response Team of Churachandpur police rushed in and controlled the situation.

Six individuals -two from Kuki community and four from Zo were injured in the clash.

They were given first aid at Churachandpur district hospital and discharged.

Additional police personnel were deployed in the area and controlled the situation around 10.45 pm.

However, at about 11.30 pm, clashes involving stone pelting and caning erupted between the two communities at Sielmat bridge.

Police and RAF team in the nearby area rushed there and dispersed the mob by firing tear gas shells by which time at least 30 individuals of both sides were injured.

Out of them four are said to have sustained head injuries.

Strong security measures have been taken up to prevent further escalation of tension between the two communities.

On the other hand, DC Churachandpur has submitted a letter to the commissioner (home) to ban mobile internet service for five days keeping in view of the volatile situation in the district and possibility of further deterioration of law and order.

Earlier on Monday, ITLF, which has been overseeing the ethnic violence in Churachandpur district, said in a statement that a meeting of the presidential council of the forum held on Monday unanimously agreed to go with the Kuki-Zo narrative and to name the burial site as Kuki-Zo Martyrs' Cemetery.

It stated that the Kuki-Zo narrative was agreed upon during tribal leaders' meetings held at Aizawl, Noida, and Churachandpur, and accordingly, Kuki-Zo has been widely used as its narratives with the government as well as in various media both nationally and internationally in this Manipur crisis.

ITLF spearheaded the movement in Churachandpur from May 3 and has been using the Kuki-Zo narrative in all communications.

It is also used in other districts like Tengnoupal, Kangpokpi, Chandel, and Pherzawl, and in solidarity with the movement, it will be correct to use the same narrative in Churachandpur to show unity.

Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) had also buried the victims in the name of Kuki-Zo, the statement said.

Informing that the Joint Philanthropic Organisation (JPO) has been entrusted with the task of handling the burial, ITLF urged JPO to execute their task to the best of their abilities.

It also appealed to the public to cooperate with the decision taken by the presidential council.

However, the Zomi Council (ZC), in an emergency meeting with its constituent units and Zomi Council Steering Committee held on Tuesday took strong exception to ITLF's appeal.

"While appreciating and supporting the resolution of Joint Philanthropic Organisation (JPO), it is significant to note that the new-found, yet misnomer 'Kuki-Zo' was never discussed nor a consensus as claimed by certain vested interest groups.

It is therefore simply unacceptable to the Zomi," the council said in a statement.

It further informed that the meeting strongly condemned the brutal attack against innocent Zomi civilians by Kuki hooligans on Monday night.

It will no longer tolerate and remain a mute spectator to those who spew venom in social media against Zomi in future, it affirmed.

"The Council is shocked to notice the disrespect shown to and vulgar display of Zomi flag at Sialmat bridge.

Zomi flag is a symbol of our pride, affection and loyalty which occupies a special place in the emotions and psyche of the Zomi." the statement said.

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