Northeast Desk, 29th November: A nationwide rally organized by thousands of members from the Kuki-Zo community conveyed a resounding demand for a separate administration, reflecting the community’s strong aspiration for administrative autonomy. Taking place across multiple cities, the rally saw participants marching in 9 towns, cities, and 17 different villages nationwide, all united in their call for a distinct administration for Kuki-Zo kindred tribes in Manipur.
Zo United, a CSO parent body representing all Kuki-Zo kindred tribes in Manipur, orchestrated the rally, with participants expressing their dissatisfaction with the Manipur state government. Placards with messages like “Separate administration is the only solution,” “Metei government, down, down,” “Tribal area, tribal government,” and “No solution, no rest” were prominently displayed, reflecting the community’s grievances.
The Kuki-Zo kindred family, having endured seven months of ethnic cleansing attacks by the majority Meiteis who control the government, bore the brunt of the violence. With 203 villages completely razed, over 7,000 houses reduced to ashes, 152 lives lost, and more than 50,000 displaced, the community is grappling with the aftermath of the attacks.
Attributing the violence to majoritarian policies of the Biren Singh government, participants emphasized the breakdown of trust between the Meiteis and the tribals. The ongoing radical threats and attacks have forced Kuki-Zo kindred tribes out of the capital and valley areas. Faced with an uncertain and insecure environment, the community sees a separate administration as the only viable option for a dignified life.
Zo United underscored a list of issues that propelled their demand for a separate administration, citing the forced displacement of Kuki-Zo kindred tribes from the capital and prosperous valley areas. The inaccessibility to major government and private institutions, including technical institutes, hospitals, offices, and the state’s only airport, adds to their challenges.
The tribal organization criticized the Biren Singh-led government, alleging open support from the Meitei-controlled state government and police towards the majority community. The transfer of government-issued weapons and ammunition to the Meitei population, allegedly being used against tribals, further fueled discontent.
Amidst these challenges, groups like Arambai Tenggol, Meitei Leepun, and COCOMI have publicly declared their intent to persist until everyone from the Kuki-Zo kindred tribes is eliminated or chased out of Manipur. The situation underscores the complex and contentious dynamics between different communities in the region.