Kuki Students’ Organisation Delhi & NCR Observes “Separation Day” at Jantar Mantar; Reaffirms Call for Justice and Self-Administration

The Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO) Delhi & NCR organized a powerful and emotionally charged event titled “Separation Day” at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi, drawing together members of the Kuki-Zo community and allies to honor the memory of victims, assert the community’s political aspirations, and call for urgent action from the central government.

The program commenced with an invocation by Pastor James Chinjemvel, Director of Grace for All Ministry. In his welcome address, Dr. L. Thangpu Guite, President of Kuki Inpi Delhi, emphasized the paramount importance of solidarity and collective resolve amid ongoing socio-political turmoil. He urged the community to remain unwavering in the pursuit of their political rights and self-determination.

Pastor Tongminthang Haokip of the Kuki Worship Service led a solemn tribute to the departed, honoring those who lost their lives to targeted violence. This was followed by fervent sloganeering led by Thangminlal Doungel, Vice President (Administration), KSO Delhi & NCR. The crowd then sang “Igam Hilou Ham?”, a poignant anthem composed by the late LS Mangboi Lhungdim, paying tribute to the fallen.

A heart-rending testimony was delivered by Hahat Vaiphei, a survivor and eyewitness to the public parading of two Kuki-Zo women by a Meitei mob. Her account served as a stark reminder of the brutalities endured and the urgency for justice and redress.

Addressing the gathering, Marlin Haokip, Convenor of the Kuki-Zo Women Forum Delhi, denounced the systematic strategies employed by dominant groups to fracture the community from within, often weaponizing internal actors to perpetuate division. Nu Juliana Doungel commended the community’s resilience, applauding the unwavering commitment sustained over two years, and called for continued fortitude in the fight ahead.

Prominent social activist Glady Vaiphai Hunjan underscored the critical need for both demographic and territorial separation, stating unequivocally that any return to the status quo prior to May 3, 2023 was inconceivable. She urged the central government to acknowledge this political reality and expedite a meaningful and lasting settlement.

An additional round of slogans was passionately led by Chochong, Co-Convenor, Kuki-Zo Women Forum Delhi, reinvigorating the crowd’s collective spirit.

Paojakhup Guite, President of KSO Delhi & NCR, issued a powerful call to action, asserting that the success of the movement hinges not on elected leaders or representatives, but on the people themselves. He warned that the central government may attempt to manipulate community leaders into submission, potentially silencing the movement from within. “We cannot fail,” he declared, “for coexistence with the Meiteis under a shared administration is no longer an option.” He called on attendees to commit to the people’s movement by signing a pledge form distributed at the event.

Vishwajeet Singh, Legal Advisor to the Kuki Organisation for Human Rights, decried the systemic erosion of democratic rights and legal protections afforded to the Kuki people. He accused the state of collusion with the perpetrators of violence and affirmed that expanded legal initiatives are being actively pursued.

The program concluded with a symbolic demonstration led by Paojakhup Guite and Thangminlal Doungel, followed by the singing of the national anthem led by Chochong Haokip. Lamtinthang Dimngel, General Secretary of KSO Delhi & NCR, delivered a heartfelt vote of thanks. The event ended with a benediction from Pastor Steven L. Infimate of the Hmar Christian Fellowship Delhi.