ITLF to Observe Separation Day on May 3; FOCS to Observe the Day Under the Theme "Bridging Divides for Shared Future"

As May 3 marks the anniversary of the onset of the unresolved and ongoing conflict in Manipur that began in 2023, Kuki-Zo and valley-based civil society bodies have announced plans to observe the day under different themes.

The Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF), on April 22, announced that it will observe Separation Day on May 3, 2025, to mark two years of complete separation from the Meitei community in Manipur.

On the other hand, the valley-based civil society organization Federation of Civil Society Organisations (FOCS) has declared that May 3 will be observed as "a day of remembrance and reflection for the people of Manipur", under the theme "Bridging Divides for Shared Future."

A release issued by ITLF on April 22 stated that the solemn occasion will be held at the Wall of Remembrance in Tuibuong, Churachandpur—described as “a site that stands as a symbol of collective grief, resilience, and unity.”

ITLF stated that the event will serve as a day of reflection and remembrance for the victims of the ethnic conflict that has deeply affected the Kuki-Zo communities.

The program will include a series of events such as prayers and exhortations for the victims and their families, a keynote address, organizational reports, and speeches by various tribal leaders, it added.

A significant moment of the event will be the “Jangnadopna” ceremony—a traditional condolence ritual to honor those who lost their lives during the conflict, the release stated.

According to the release, there will be no shutdown on the day. However, traffic movement will be restricted in and around the Wall of Remembrance to ensure the sanctity and smooth conduct of the event, ITLF added.

ITLF has appealed to all sections of society—including tribal organizations, student bodies, philanthropic organizations, media persons, and the general public—to come forward and take part in this day of collective remembrance and unity.

"The event is an opportunity to stand together in support of our cause and to renew our enduring spirit," stated the release.

Meanwhile, according to a release issued by FOCS, their May 3 observance will begin at 10 a.m. at Yumnam Khunou Community Hall, Imphal East.

FOCS stated that May 3, 2025, will mark the completion of two years since the violent aggression allegedly committed by armed illegal immigrants who, according to the group, "waged an undeclared war against the indigenous Meitei community of Manipur."

FOCS claimed that “the attack was not merely an act of conflict but a coordinated campaign of ethnic violence that left deep scars on our land and our people.”

"On May 3, 2023, innocent lives were lost, homes were burned to ashes, and entire families were uprooted from their own land. The violence claimed the lives of many unarmed youths, forcing others—barely out of their teens—to take up the role of village volunteers to defend their people and land in the absence of timely state protection," FOCS added.

The group alleged that illegal immigrants infiltrated from across the border and systematically targeted Meitei settlements in Churachandpur, Moreh, Imphal West, Imphal East, and Kangpokpi districts.

Thousands were displaced as their homes, farms, and livelihoods were destroyed overnight. Today, many still live as Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in relief camps and temporary shelters, far from the places they once called home, it said.

FOCS has invited all IDPs, civil society organizations, community leaders, student and women’s organizations, Meira Paibis, and all citizens to attend the observance.