Public Rally in Churachandpur Serves Ultimatum to Kuki–Zo MLAs; Effigies of Three MLAs Burned

Thousands from the Kuki–Zo community on Friday took to the streets to protest what they perceive as a betrayal by their elected representatives over the formation of the popular government in Manipur.

Thousands of people, under the aegis of the Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights (KWOHR) and the ITLF Women Wing, marched from Koite Ground to the Wall of Remembrance site at Tuibong Peace Ground, where a public gathering was held. The protesters raised various slogans such as “Down Down Nemcha Kipgen, L.M. Khaute, Ngursanglur Sanate,” “We don’t want popular government, we want separate administration,” “Our blood is on your hands,” and “Betrayal/Traitor MLAs.”

Speaking to media persons on the sidelines of the rally, KWOHR spokesperson Rebecca said the rally was organised to voice disapproval against the participation of three Kuki–Zo MLAs in the formation of the popular government, which she said was against the wishes of the people. She stated that the MLAs were the ones who had initially initiated the demand for separate administration and had now betrayed the trust placed in them by the people.

She further said that an ultimatum had been served to the MLAs to resign from their positions at the earliest. If the ultimatum is not heeded, she warned, the next course of action would be more intense, and the MLAs would have to face the fury of the people.

On several occasions during meetings held in Guwahati, the Kuki–Zo MLAs, civil society organisations (CSOs), and SoO groups had adopted resolutions stating that they would not be part of the government formation unless the Centre and the State government provided a written assurance for a political solution in the form of a Union Territory with Legislature for the Kuki–Zo people.

During the rally, effigies of three MLAs—Nemcha Kipgen, L.M. Khaute, and Ngursanglur Sanate—were also burned by angry protesters.

Leaders of the Kuki–Zo Council, ITLF, KSO-GHQ, and KWOHR also addressed the gathering, condemning what they termed the treacherous act of the three MLAs and calling for renewed unity to further the demand for a political solution.

A similar protest rally was also conducted at Saikul Hill Town under the aegis of civil society organisations (CSOs) of Saikul. Thousands of people from various walks of life participated in the rally, condemning the participation of Kuki–Zo MLAs in the formation of the Manipur government.