Kuki-Zo Students Demand Political Solution; Rally Held Against Manipur Popular Govt

Opposing 'popular government' in Manipur, the Kuki-Zo Students of Churachandpur today took the streets, demanding political solution in the form of Union Territory with Legislature.

The rally was jointly organised by various student bodies from different Kuki-Zo tribal groups.

Conducted under the theme, ‘We want political solution, not popular government’, thousands of students from different schools in the district gathered in Public ground, Hiangtam Lamka, at around 10 in the morning and then proceeded towards Peace Ground, Tuibong.

The students were seen holding placards and chanting slogans such as, 'No solution, no popular government'; 'We cannot form popular government with the Meitei'; 'No more delay, political solution'; 'Respect buffer zone'; 'Justice precedes peace'; 'Polution precedes peace'.

Vehicular movements along the route of the rally were halted during the rally even though other business establishments along the route remained open. Central and State security forces were stationed at different junctions along the route of the rally.

The rally was held peacefully - no untoward incidents reported.

Speaking to the media before the rally at Public ground, the General Secretary of Zomi Students' Federation, Samuel Taithul said the rally was being organized to express the grievances and frustrations over the continued attempts of the central government leadership to form a popular government in Manipur while ignoring the need and demand for Kuki-Zo's political solution.

Samuel said the majority Meitei community and the non-Naga tribals of Manipur cannot live together because there are continued incidents of violence against the minority communities.

Samuel said, “What separates this conflict from all other conflicts is the conflict between the public themselves but not between armed groups. The hatred and communalised atmosphere has reached such a level that, I do not think at this point of time compromising is possible. Since we are divided geographically and physically, there is a need for a political solution for Kuki Zo”.

Expressing his point of view on the movement for the political solution of Kuki Zo people, Samuel said the movement was not going in the right direction and the main reason was the continued efforts to form a popular government.

"If a popular government in Manipur is formed, the movement for political solutions will subside and as such the student bodies and the public are against the formation of government," he said.

Samuel also appealed to the central government to consider the demand of Kuki-Zo people and begin a serious effort of dialogue for political settlement.