Northeast Desk,15th December: In a solemn ceremony, the Kuki-Zo community in Manipur’s Kangpokpi District will conduct a mass burial for 23 deceased individuals, including 19 whose bodies were flown home after almost eight months of violence that erupted in the state on May 3, 2023.
The burial ceremony, themed “You Sacrifice Your Today For Our Tomorrow,” will take place at the Martyr’s Cemetery in Phaijang village. In honor of the deceased, a 12-hour total shutdown from 5:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. has been declared in Kangpokpi District by the Committee on Tribal Unity, Sadar Hills. Additionally, the committee has called on Kuki-Zo people across Kangpokpi to hoist a black flag in every household as a mark of mourning.
The ceremony will commence at 11:00 a.m., featuring burial rites according to Kuki-Zo customs and traditions. A condolence ceremony, including a gun salute by Kuki-Zo volunteers, will be part of the proceedings.
Thangtinlen Haokip, Information and Publicity Secretary of CoTU, expressed gratitude to the Supreme Court for intervening and understanding the sentiments of the Kuki-Zo communities. As preparations continue for the burial, the Kuki-Zo people are set to mourn through the night at the Martyr’s Cemetery, reflecting on the long and tumultuous journey to bring their fallen brethren home.
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