Remembrance Day calls for political settlement
Source: Chronicle News Service

Kangpokpi, October 03 2023: Kuki-Zo community in Kangpokpi district observed the fifth Kuki-Zo Remembrance Day on Tuesday and demanded the central government to address their political aspirations for justice and lasting peace.

The observance function held at Brig M Thomas Ground in Kangpokpi town was organised by Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), Sadar Hills.

As part of the Remembrance Day, CoTU enforced a 15-hour total shutdown across the district, accompanied by a coffin rally and candlelight vigil, as a mark of tribute to those from the community, who got killed in the ongoing crisis.

Reverend Prim Vaiphei, former president of All Manipur Christian Organisation and one of the last Kuki-Zo evacuated from Imphal, was the main speaker at the event.

A moment of silence was observed by the gathering as coffins were laid and floral tributes paid as a mark of respect.

CoTU media cell coordinator Ng Lun Kipgen highlighted the significance of the fifth Remembrance Day, emphasising its purpose to commemorate and honour the innocent Kuki-Zo lives lost during the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

He decried the brutalities and injustices during the crisis, and urged for impartiality from NIA and CBI in their investigations.

He appealed for the immediate release of all arrested Kuki-Zo individuals, stating that they were arrested on flimsy ground.

He urged the Central government to recognise the ground reality and engage in initiating a political settlement for lasting peace, discouraging partisan politics in handling the Manipur crisis.

Lun Kipgen stressed that to move forward, the Centre must act in a non-partisan manner and consider actions such as imposing the President's Rule or re-evaluating the exemption of certain areas under 19 police stations from the disturbed areas tag while enforcing AFSPA across the entire state.

Prominent Kuki-Zo leaders, village chiefs, and CSO leaders were present at the event, collectively advocating for justice and lasting peace in the region.

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