Northeast Desk, 4th March: In a massive rally organized by the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) in Sadar Hills Kangpokpi District, the Kuki-Zo community voiced its strong support for the re-imposition of the Armed Forces Special Power Act (AFSPA) in the valley districts of Manipur. The rally aimed to protest against the Manipur State Assembly’s resolution to abrogate the Suspension of Operations (SoO) Agreement with Kuki groups, labeling it as “Communalised and one-sided.”
Beginning at Nute Kailhang in Kangpokpi District headquarters, the rally proceeded to the uptown Kangpokpi bridge near the SP Kangpokpi office via National Highway-2. With thousands of participants, the rally echoed chants such as “Democracy not Autocracy,” “Re-impose AFSPA in the valley,” and “Manipur State Assembly not for Kuki-Zo.”
The rally concluded peacefully under the vigilant monitoring of Kangpokpi police to prevent any untoward incidents. Concurrently, CoTU initiated a 24-hour total shutdown across Sadar Hills Kangpokpi district to protest the state assembly’s resolution. This shutdown, scheduled to end on March 5 morning, has led to the closure of shops, educational institutions, and offices, with restricted vehicular movement along the highway.
Addressing the media, CoTU’s Spokesperson, Kaiminlen Sitlhou, expressed strong resentment against the assembly’s resolution, alleging misuse of state institutions by the current regime. Sitlhou emphasized the need for AFSPA in the valley districts, highlighting the role of SoO in heralding peace and tranquility in the hills. He urged the public not to be misled by political maneuvers and reiterated the demand for AFSPA re-imposition, citing its potential to control escalating terror activities and restore constitutional order in the Imphal valley.
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