"Kuki-Zo Community Unites in Delhi, Demands ‘Right to Self-Government’ with Union Territory Status"

Kuki-Zo Community Protests in Delhi, Demands Separate Union Territory Status to Resolve Ethnic Crisis in Manipur

In a bold display of determination, members of the Kuki Students’ Organisation and the Kuki-Zo Women’s Forum gathered at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on Saturday to demand a separate Union Territory with a legislature for the Kuki areas of Manipur. The protest aimed to raise awareness about the community’s plight amidst the ongoing crisis in the northeastern state.

The protest was marked by energetic chants and placards, with the crowd directing their ire at former Chief Minister Biren Singh, whom they hold responsible for the worsening situation in Manipur. The group dismissed his recent resignation as a "smokescreen" and reiterated their long-standing demand for a distinct administration to safeguard their community’s interests.

In a statement released during the protest, the Kuki-Zo representatives highlighted the historical injustices and systemic exclusion faced by their community, despite their integral role in the Indian Union. They alleged that the current administrative machinery in Manipur has failed to protect their lives, address grievances, and preserve their cultural and linguistic identity.

To break the cycle of violence and restore peace, the protesters called for the establishment of a separate Union Territory, ensuring self-governance and the preservation of their heritage and land rights. They also urged the central government to form a committee to draft a roadmap for this distinct administration.

Key Demands:

• A separate Union Territory with a legislature for the Kuki areas of Manipur
• A committee to draft a roadmap for a distinct administration
• Protection of their community’s lives, address grievances, and preserve cultural and linguistic identity
• Safeguarding of their land rights and heritage

Urgent Need for a Solution:
The ongoing crisis in Manipur has claimed over 250 lives in 21 months. The Kuki-Zo community, which has long blamed Biren Singh for the unrest, welcomed his resignation but remains critical of the state’s inability to resolve the deep-seated tensions, even with President’s Rule in place.

The protest’s direct appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi echoes the community’s desperation for a lasting solution. They implore him to consider their demands, including the creation of a Union Territory under Articles 239A and 3 of the Constitution, and take concrete steps to address their plight.

Stay tuned for updates on this developing story, as we continue to follow the Kuki-Zo community’s fight for a safer, more harmonious future in Manipur.

Source: https://nenews.in/manipur/protest-in-delhi-kuki-zo-community-calls-for-union-territory-status/21073/

Categories:

• Manipur
• Delhi
• Kuki-Zo community
• Manipur crisis
• Protest

Tags: #KukiZoCommunity #ManipurCrisis #Protest #Delhi #UnionTerritoryStatus #NarendraModi #BirenSingh #KukiStudentsOrganisation #KukiZoWomen’sForum

Original Source: https://nenews.in/manipur/protest-in-delhi-kuki-zo-community-calls-for-union-territory-status/21073/
Category : Manipur,Delhi,Kuki-Zo community,Manipur crisis,protest
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Publish Date: 2025-03-01 20:49:00