The Kuki-Zo community in Manipur, particularly in the districts of Churachandpur and Kangpokpi, held a large-scale rally on Monday, urging the Central Government to expedite the resolution of the Kuki-Zo Political Solution.
The rallies were organized by the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), with significant participation in both districts. In Kangpokpi, the demonstration commenced at Nute Kailhang, progressing towards the DC Office via National Highway 2. Participants held placards bearing messages such as “End the Delay: Secure Kuki-Zo’s Future Now” and “No More Waiting: Fast-Track Kuki-Zo’s Political Solution.”
A three-hour shutdown from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. was imposed across Sadar Hills Kangpokpi, affecting government offices, banks, private institutions, and businesses. Vehicular movement was also restricted, although students taking exams, media personnel, and emergency services were exempted.
A five-page memorandum was submitted to Union Home Minister Amit Shah through the Deputy Commissioner of Kangpokpi. The memorandum highlighted the prolonged hardships faced by the Kuki-Zo community due to continuous oppression by the majority community in Manipur over the past 14 months and thanked the Home Minister for his efforts to address the ongoing crisis.
In Churachandpur, the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF) organized a similar rally from Lamka Public Ground to Peace Ground near the DC office, demanding Union Territory status with a legislature under Article 239A of the Indian Constitution. Leaders from Zo United, Kuki Inpi Manipur, Zomi Council, and ITLF addressed the gathering before the march was flagged off by Zomi Council General Secretary Pauneihlal Vaiphei.
The rally proceeded along Tipaimukh Road, IB Road, and Tedim Road to The Wall of Remembrance near the Mini Secretariat in Tuibong, where a memorial for over 200 tribal individuals was placed. A memorandum addressed to Home Minister Amit Shah was submitted through Churachandpur DC Dharun Kumar.
Participants carried banners and placards with messages such as “Expedite a Political Solution for the Kuki-Zo People,” “No Political Solution, No Peace,” and “Union Territory for the Kuki-Zo People Right Now.”
Saikot AC MLA Paolienlal Haokip emphasized the need for the government to seek peace in Manipur, noting that despite numerous appeals to central departments, peace remains elusive. The memorandum also reiterated gratitude for the Home Minister’s efforts to quell violence and restore peace, highlighting the political demands for Union Territory status with a legislature under Article 239(A) of the Indian Constitution.
