1. Thousands of Kuki-Zo tribal members rallied in Churachandpur for a political resolution to Manipur’s ethnic conflict.
2. The protest was organized by the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF).
3. It began at Churachandpur Public Ground and ended at the Wall of Remembrance, honoring nearly 200 tribal lives lost.
Imphal, June 24: Thousands of members of the Kuki-Zo tribal community rallied in Churachandpur today, calling for a political resolution to the ongoing ethnic conflict in Manipur.
Organized by the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF), the protest began at Churachandpur Public Ground and ended at the Wall of Remembrance, a tribute to the nearly 200 tribal lives lost during the unrest.
Carrying placards with slogans such as “No Political Solution, No Peace” and “Union Territory for the Kuki-Zo People Right Now!”, demonstrators voiced their demands.
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Key speakers included ITLF Chairman Pagin Haokip, MLA Paolienlal Haokip, Zo United Secretary Rev. VL Ngakthang, Zomi Council General Secretary Pauneihlal, and Kuki Inpi Manipur Vice President Jangmang Haokip.
ITLF General Secretary Muan Tombing presented a memorandum outlining the community’s grievances to be submitted to Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
The primary objective of the peaceful protest was to urge the central government to accelerate efforts in finding a political resolution to the escalating violence in Manipur. Specifically, the tribal groups are advocating for the establishment of a Union Territory with legislative powers under Article 239A of the Constitution.
ITLF emphasized the urgency for intervention, citing a year-long escalation of violence that has resulted in significant casualties and destruction within tribal communities.
Recent incidents in Jiribam district, where tribal individuals were killed and properties vandalized allegedly by Meitei groups, have heightened tensions.
ITLF also highlighted ongoing humanitarian concerns such as restricted access to essential supplies, halted developmental activities, and discriminatory practices in job recruitment favoring Meitei-majority areas.
Similar demonstrations took place in Kangpokpi, Tengnoupal, and Pherzawl districts.
The rally concluded with ITLF leaders formally submitting their memorandum to the Union Home Minister via the Deputy Commissioner of Churachandpur, emphasizing the critical need for swift and decisive measures to restore peace and security in Manipur’s tribal regions.
