Kukis hold multiple rallies, amid expletive slogan
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, August 31 2024:
The Kuki-Zo community, on Saturday, organised protest rallies in some parts of the state, demanding a separate administration in the form of a Union Territory (UT) with legislature.
The protests also condemned the recent leaked audio clips allegedly involving CM Biren, with demonstrators using expletive slogans.
The rallies were primarily held in Churachandpur and Kangpokpi districts, while small groups of protesters were seen moving in trucks and shouting slogans in Moreh.
Different Naga organisations opposed the rallies, restricting such activities in Naga-dominated areas.
Videos shared on social media showed protesters shouting expletives at the chief minister, while state police and central security forces struggled to manage the crowds.
In one incident, protesters blocked an ambulance, banged on the vehicle, and hurled profanities.
Security personnel who tried to intervene were forced to retreat in the face of overwhelming numbers.
Another video showed a violent group kicking and banging an SUV.
CCPUR: People of Kuki-Zomi tribal community, on Saturday, took out protest rallies against the recent leaked audio purportedly of chief minister N Biren Singh, which they claimed is poof of his complicity in the ongoing ethnic conflict in Manipur, with multiple organisers holding separate demonstrations at different parts of Churachandpur district.
They also pressed for a separate administration in the form of a Union Territory (UT) with legislature.
One of the protests was organised by the Churachandpur Students' Body, starting from Leishang playground and ending at Peace Ground.
The participants marched a distance of 5 kilometres carrying placards and shouting slogans for a Union Territory with legislature.
The rally was flagged off by Vaiphei People's Council (VPC) president Henlianthang Thanglet.
At Lamka Public Ground, another protest demonstration was organised by the Joint Students' Body, where they staged a sit-in against the leaked tapes.
The event was also observed as a day of remembrance for the nine "tribal martyrs" who lost their lives during a protest movement launched against three bills in 2015, as well as those killed in the current crisis.
The protesters shouted slogans demanding a UT with legislature and held a massive prayer session.
Later, at the YPA General Headquarters Hall located near Lamka Public Ground, Tribal Unity Day and Tribal Martyrs' Day were observed starting from 1:00 pm.
The event included offering floral tributes, observing a one-minute silence in memory of the departed souls, and songs of mourning by the YMA choir groups.
KPI: A 7 km-long protest rally from Keithelmanbi Military Colony to Kangpokpi district headquarters culminated peacefully without any untoward incident in Kangpokpi district on Saturday.
The protest rally was part of the nationwide rally organized the Kuki Students' Organisation against the 'Manipur Tapes', which allegedly implicate chief minister N Biren Singh in the present crisis, and to press for expediting the process for a Kuki-Zo Union Territory.
Thousands of people belonging to Kuki-Zo community from across the district took part in the protest rally organized under the aegis of Kuki Students' Organisation, Sadar Hills Kangpokpi District, and supported by various tribe organisations including Thadou Students' Association, Zillai, Gangte Students' Organisation, CoTU and SAHILCA.
The massive rally began at noon with the participants marching along the National Highway 2 on foot and reached the district headquarters at about 2 pm.
A memorandum addressed to the Prime Minister was also submitted through the DC Kangpokpi, who received it on the NH-2.All business establishments and private institutions including schools were closed during the protest rally while functioning of government institutions was partially affected.
The district police monitored the movement of the rallyists and traffic flow.
In its memorandum to the PM, KSO Sadar Hills called for immediate arrest of CM N Biren Singh over his alleged involvement in the 'Manipur Tapes' and demanded creation of a Union Territory for the Kuki-Zo tribals.
The memorandum also highlighted the ongoing ethnic violence and alleged persecution of the Kuki-Zo community by the majority Meetei community since May 3, 2023 .
Key demands outlined in the memorandum included immediate arrest of CM N Biren Singh and criminal investigation against him supervised by the Supreme Court of India, strengthening of buffer zones, interim administration for Kuki-Zo areas and formation of Union Territory with Legislature for Kuki-Zo areas.
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