CoTU resolves to intensify blockade
Source: The Sangai Express

Kangpokpi, September 04 2023: The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), Sadar Hills, Kangpokpi district has decided to intensify the 'movement' following the alleged 'insouciance' of the Centre in resolving the Kuki-Zo political problems even after four months of wide-scale violence in Manipur.

Thousands of Kuki-Zo people across Kangpokpi district congregated at Brig M Thomas ground, Kang-pokpi on Sunday evening to commemorate the four-month-long wide-scale violence in the State since May 3 .

The "Remembrance Day" to mark the 4-month-long violence was organized by the CoTU with the theme song, "I-Gam Hilou Ham" (Is Not Our Land) composed by LS Mangboi, who was recently killed in a gun battle on the borders of Chura- chandpur and Bishnupur.

CoTU resolves to intensify blockade

A minute silence was observed by the gathering as a mark of condolence to the Kuki-Zo people killed in the violence while the sound of the siren of the ambulance was played to pay homage and honour to the departed souls.

While the theme song, "I-Gam Hilou Ham" composed by LS Mangboi was sung by Kuki-Zo artistes, the gathering lit candles, torches, and flashlights of their mobile waving to demonstrate the unity of the Kuki-Zo people.

Motivational speech from CoTU leaders, victims' families and relatives, and blessings from Dr Rev V Sitlhou, former Executive Secretary MBC, and president TBA-I were the main highlights of the event.

Minakshi Singh, a social activist from Delhi who also attended the event said, "We fought for the Kuki-Zo people in Delhi by organizing a protest rally, and other various forms of protest and the world is praying for the Kuki-Zo people" .

Encouraging the mammoth crowd, Minakshi Singh exhorted the Kuki-Zo women to stand up for their rights and fight for it while conveying that the world is with them and nobody can snatch away their Constitutional rights.

The social activists from Delhi also provided huge medical aid and other basic requirements for the internally displaced persons at various relief camps and hospitals in the district.

On the sideline of the observance of Remembrance Day, CoTU general secretary Lamminlun Singsit said that the Government of India's 'mildness' in resolving the issue, even though the crisis has completed four months, is very unfortunate and unexpected.

He urged the Centre to expedite the process of separate administration for the Kuki-Zo people.

CoTU also decided to intensify the economic blockade along the two National Highways passing through Kangpokpi district after allegedly having the mandate of the people.

Lamminlun Singsit said, "We have installed more checkpoints at various strategic locations along the National Highway-2 (Imphal-Dimapur road) and we will also intensify the economic blockade along the National Highway-37 (Imphal-Jiribam road)" .

"Therefore, we appeal to all transporters ferrying essential commodities, particularly along the National Highway-37, to stay away from plying along the two National Highways as we will intensify the economic blockade," he added.

Meanwhile, a similar observance of Remembrance Day was also held in Sadar Hills East Saikul block with a similar theme song.

The public gathering shared their painful experiences during the last four months from May 3, while a mass prayer was also held for the departed souls and the bereaved families.

The gathering appealed to the Govt of India and all concerned to bring a permanent solution to the problems currently facing the Kuki-Zo communities in Manipur.