CoTU observes Remembrance Day, to intensify blockade
Source: Chronicle News Service
Kangpokpi, September 04 2023:
The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), Sadar Hills, Kangpokpi district, following the mandate of its people during the Remembrance Day observance held on Sunday, has decided to intensify the movement due to alleged 'insouciance' of the Centre in resolving Kuki-Zo political issues, even after four months of widespread violence in Manipur.
Thousands of Kuki-Zo people gathered at Brig M Thomas Ground, Kangpokpi on Sunday evening to mark the four-month violence since May 3 .
The Joint Kuki-Zo Artistes sang the theme song, "I-Gam Hilou Ham" (Is Not Our Land), composed by LS Mangboi, who was recently killed in a gunfight in the adjoining area of Bishnupuur and in Churachandpur, while the crowd lit candles, torches, and mobile flashlights to demonstrate Kuki-Zo unity.
The gathering observed a minute's silence to pay tribute to "Kuki-Zo martyrs", while the ambulance siren was played to honour the departed souls.
Motivational speeches from CoTU leaders, victims' families, and Dr Reverend V Sitlhou, former executive secretary MBC, and President TBA-I were highlights of the event.
Delhi based social activist Minakshi Singh, who attended the event encouraged Kuki-Zo women to stand up for their rights saying that the world supports them in safeguarding their constitutional rights.
Social activists from Delhi also provided medical aid and essentials to internally displaced people at various relief camps and hospitals in the district.
CoTU general secretary Lamminlun Singsit stated that despite the four-month-long ethnic violence between Ku-ki-Zo and Meetei communities, the government of India's mildness' in resolving the issue is unfortunate.
He urged the Centre to expedite the process of separate administration for Kuki-Zo people.
CoTU also decided to intensify the economic blockade along the two National Highways, following people's mandate.
Lamminlun Singsit stated that they have set up more checkpoints along National Highway-2 (Imphal-Dimapur road) and will also intensify the economic blockade along National Highway-37 (Imphal-Jiribam road).
He appealed to transporters carrying essential goods, especially on National Highway-37, to avoid the highways as they would intensify the economic blockade.
He urged the public and organisations within and outside Manipur to support and cooperate to prevent misunderstandings regarding the economic blockade.
Meanwhile, a similar "Remembrance Day" observance was held at Sadar Hills East Saikul Block ground, with a comparable theme song.
Thousands gathered at the Saikul Block ground to attend the event.
Over 80 Kuki-Zo villages were burnt down in Saikul assembly constituency by Meetei mobs and armed civilians.
Thousands of displaced persons are in relief camps in and around Saikul sub-divisional headquarters.
The public shared their experiences from the last four months, and mass prayers were held for the departed souls and bereaved families.
The gathering appealed to the Government of India and all concerned to find a permanent solution to the issues facing by Kuki-Zo ethnic minorities in Manipur, so they can live peacefully as equal citizens of the democratic country.