Restricting Freedom: Kuki-Zo Villagers Lock Down Areas, Seek Separate Governance in Manipur

Imphal: In a bold move, Kuki-Zo village volunteers from Tengnoupal and Chandel districts of Manipur have announced that they will restrict free movement within their areas, effective immediately. This decision comes in response to the Federation of Civil Society (FOCS), a valley-based organization, announcing a planned march towards hill districts on March 8.

According to the volunteers, they will not permit free movement until a separate administration or Union Territory with a legislature is established for the Kuki-Zo community. This move is a direct challenge to Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s directive to ensure free movement across the state from March 8 onwards.

The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) had previously announced restrictions on movement in Kuki-Zo areas, and it appears that the volunteers have taken a similar stance. “There will be no free movement in Kuki-Zo areas before the establishment of a separate administration/Union Territory with a legislature for the Kuki-Zo people,” a statement from the Village Volunteer, Eastern Zone, reads. “We stand firm in our commitment to protecting our people, our land, and our future. Any attempt to infringe upon our rights or forcefully enter our areas will be met with strong resistance.”

The statement goes on to highlight the historical injustices, atrocities, and systemic oppression faced by the Kuki-Zo community, stating that any attempt to ignore or brush aside these issues under the guise of peaceful marches will not be tolerated. “Those who have inflicted suffering on our people, those who have taken innocent lives, and those who continue to deny our fundamental rights will not be allowed free passage into our lands,” the statement added.

The volunteers have made it clear that their demand for a separate administration is not just a political aspiration, but a necessity for their survival, security, and dignity. The statement urges concerned authorities to take note of the deep-rooted grievances and legitimate demands of the Kuki-Zo people, emphasizing that until a just and lasting solution is reached, they will not allow those who have persecuted them to move freely in their territories.

The decision by the Kuki-Zo village volunteers comes as no surprise, given the long-standing tensions and conflicts between the Kuki and Meitei communities in the region. The presence of voluntary village volunteers who profess to protect their community while guarding their respective areas has been a contentious issue in the region. As the standoff continues, only time will tell if the demands of the Kuki-Zo community will be met, or if the current impasse will lead to further tensions and conflicts.

Original Source: https://nenews.in/manipur/manipur-village-volunteers-restrict-free-movement-in-kuki-zo-areas-press-for-separate-administration/21332/
Category : Manipur,Federation of Civil Society Organisations (FOCS),Kuki-Zo village volunteers
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Publish Date: 2025-03-06 07:59:00