1. Police in Manipur are on high alert ahead of a rally organized by Zo United.
2. The rally, scheduled for November 29, is advocating for a separate tribal administration in the state.
3. It will be held mainly in Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, Pherzawl, and Tengnoupal districts of Manipur.
Imphal, Nov 28: Police in Manipur are on high alert in anticipation of a planned rally organized by an umbrella organization called Zo United, which is advocating for a separate tribal administration in the state.
The rally, scheduled for November 29, will primarily take place in Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, Pherzawl, and Tengnoupal districts of Manipur. The Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF), another umbrella organization of pro-Kuki-Zo groups, has uploaded a poster supporting the demand for a separate administration for Kuki-Zo peoples in Manipur.
The rally is expected to be a peaceful and silent march, according to Albert Renthlei, the convener of Zo United. Many shops and businesses in the specified districts are expected to remain closed on the day of the rally.
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The police are closely monitoring the situation and are on high alert, especially in areas near the borders between Meitei and Kuki-dominated districts where armed ethnic conflicts have occurred.
Ethnic divisions between the Meitei and Kuki communities escalated after violence broke out during a tribal solidarity march in May, resulting in significant displacement and casualties.
The tensions have led to communities no longer cohabiting in the same areas. In light of these tensions, a student body representing the Tangkhul Naga community issued a statement requesting that the November 29 rally excludes the Ukhrul district in Manipur.
The police are taking measures to confine the rally to specific districts, but they remain vigilant, particularly in buffer zones near the borders of Meitei and Kuki-dominated areas. The authorities aim to prevent any potential escalation of ethnic conflict during the rally.
It is essential to note that ethnic tensions and conflicts in Manipur have had severe humanitarian consequences, resulting in loss of lives and mass displacement. The police presence and alertness are crucial in maintaining peace and preventing further violence during such events.
