Public Rally in Lamka Demands Expedited Political Solution for Kuki-Zo People

Thousands of people on Wednesday took out a massive protest rally in Lamka, Churachandpur, demanding an expedited political solution for the Kuki-Zo people. The rally was organised under the aegis of the Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF) with the theme “Expedite Our Political Solution.”

Participants began the rally from three separate points—Rengkai Ground, Sielmat Ground and Koite Ground—and later converged at Peace Ground, Tuibong, where the main public function was held. The turnout reflected widespread public support for the demand, with all shops, business establishments and educational institutions remaining closed during the rally.
Protesters carried placards bearing slogans such as “No More Delay: Political Solution Now,” “Justice Delayed is Justice Denied,” “Our Demand is Our Constitutional Birthright,” “No Justice, No Government,” “We Want Separate Administration,” and “Popular Government Will Never Be Accepted by Kuki-Zo People,” among others.

Addressing the gathering at Peace Ground, leaders including Henlianthang Thanglet, Chairman of the Kuki-Zo Council, leaders of the Hmar Youth Association, and KSO Churachandpur delivered strong speeches reiterating that coexistence with the Meitei community under the present circumstances was no longer possible. They collectively reaffirmed the demand for a separate administration as the only viable path to peace and security.

Following the public meeting, leaders of the Kuki-Zo Council submitted a memorandum addressed to the Union Home Minister to the Deputy Commissioner of Churachandpur district. The memorandum highlighted what it described as grave, prolonged and unresolved existential issues confronting the Kuki-Zo people in Manipur and sought urgent constitutional and political intervention by the Government of India.

The memorandum demanded an immediate political solution, citing nearly three years of ethnic conflict that has resulted in over 250 deaths, the burning of more than 7,000 houses, desecration of 360 places of worship, and the displacement of over 40,000 people. It asserted that the Kuki-Zo people have been completely driven out of the Imphal Valley, creating an irreversible physical and administrative divide, and reiterated the constitutional demand for a Separate Administration in the form of a Union Territory with Legislature under Article 239A.

Other key concerns raised included opposition to the resettlement of Meitei internally displaced persons in buffer zone areas, correction of alleged jurisdictional encroachments affecting hill districts, protection of inter-village road construction in Kuki-Zo areas, and safeguarding Kuki-Zo lands and properties left behind in the Imphal Valley.

In its concluding appeal, the memorandum stated that the Kuki-Zo people would neither return to Imphal nor accept a restoration of the pre-conflict status quo. It urged the Union Government to expedite political talks with the mandated Kuki-Zo representatives—KNO and UPF—for an early, just and constitutional solution, warning that only timely and decisive intervention could ensure lasting peace, stability and dignity in Manipur.