CoTU meet declares 'no free movement' in Kuki-Zo areas
Source: Chronicle News Service

Kangpokpi, March 03 2025: Even as Union Home Minister Amit Shah declared free movement for people in the state from March 8, the Kuki-Zo community has resolved to enforce a 'No free movement in Kuki Zo areas' policy until a solution is reached.

The decision was made during the observance of the 22nd Remembrance Day along with a public consultative meeting, which was held under the banner of the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) , at Martyrs' Cemetery in Phaijang village, Kangpokpi district.

Speaking on the occasion, CoTU general secretary Lamminlun Singsit asserted that the Kuki-Zo people's fight for justice and identity "cannot be silenced" .

He also proclaimed an eight-point declaration adopted at the public consultative meet during the 22nd Remembrance Day observance, solidifying the community's resolve to achieve Separate Administration.

CoTU meet declares 'no free movement' in Kuki-Zo areas

The declaration stated that "the Kuki-Zo people shall not rest, shall not falter, and shall not surrender until Separate Administration is achieved.

No free movement shall be permitted in Kuki-Zo areas until a solution that respects their rights and aspirations is reached" .

The declaration further mentioned that the fight for Separate Administration will be relentless, with mobilisation, protests, and resistance through every democratic means available.

Declaring that nothing will deter their cause, it further warned that no individual shall place self-interest above the collective struggle, and any betrayal in favour of the government shall be con sidered an act of treachery against the Kuki-Zo people.

The declaration also demanded that the Governor retract his statement against the Separate Administration, emphasising that his meeting with Arambai Tenggol would not determine their fate.

No Kuki-Zo volunteer shall be arrested, and any such action would be met with consequences, holding the DC and SP fully responsible for any unjust arrests.

It warned that if the government dares to impose peace forcefully without addressing the Kuki-Zo political issue, there would be total resistance, and the ruling government would face an absolute and irreversible boycott.

The demand for Separate Administration in the form of a Union Territory with Legislature was declared final, stating that there will be no negotiation, no compromise, and no retreat.

"This is not a plea.

This is not a request.

This is a declaration of an unstoppable movement," Singsit proclaimed.

The event paid tribute to the brave souls who laid down their lives in past struggles, ensuring that their sacrifices are never forgotten.

Amid prayers, wreath-laying, and emotional tributes, the community also extended its support to victims of the ongoing conflict through the fifth phase of 'Jangnadop', a humanitarian initiative spearheaded by the Kuki Women's Organisation for Human Rights (KWOHR) .

This initiative continues to provide much-needed aid to those affected by the unrest.

In a show of unity and respect, the entire district came to a standstill, with all shops, business establishments, private institutions, and educational institutions remaining closed for the day.

The observance was further marked by a public consultative meeting, where key stakeholders gathered to deliberate on the challenges facing the community and the path forward.