Gamgiphai: Hundreds of Kuki-Zo protesters took to the streets in Gamgiphai, Sadar Hills Kangpokpi District, Manipur, on Friday, escalating their demand for the creation of a Union Territory (UT) with legislative powers under Article 239A of the Indian Constitution.
The protests were ignited by alleged leaked audio tapes allegedly involving Manipur’s Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, which have stirred widespread controversy and outrage.
The protest, organised by the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), also demonstrated strong support for the 10 Kuki-Zo MLAs in Manipur who have called for the prosecution of the Chief Minister if the allegations related to the tapes are proven true.
The tapes have added fuel to the accusations against Manipur CM, with protesters branding him a “21st Century Adolf Hitler” and demanding his immediate prosecution.
The demonstrators, largely women, carried banners and chanted slogans such as “Save Democracy in Meiteipur, Implement Article 239A for the Kuki-Zo,” and “Save Democracy: Impose President’s Rule.” They renewed their calls for the imposition of President’s Rule, asserting that the current state leadership under N. Biren Singh has failed to protect the rights and safety of the Kuki-Zo community.
CoTU spokesperson Kaiminlen Sitlhou issued a strong statement during the protest, accusing the Manipur government of orchestrating a campaign of ethnic persecution against the Kuki-Zo people since May 3, 2023. “The truth about the Manipur Government’s complicity in the ongoing ethnic persecution of the Kuki-Zo people has now surfaced for the whole world to see,” Sitlhou said.
Sitlhou condemned the use of state machinery against its own citizens, describing it as evidence of deep-seated lawlessness within the current administration. “Lawlessness prevails when leaders turn the machinery of the state against the people it is meant to protect,” he asserted, expressing the community’s growing distrust in the Manipur government.
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In a direct appeal to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Sitlhou criticised N Biren Singh’s leadership, noting that despite being considered a trusted ally, the Chief Minister failed to secure two key parliamentary seats in recent elections. Sitlhou further accused Singh of defying Shah’s directives by using bombs against the Kuki-Zo people, escalating the conflict.
CoTU reiterated its demand for the creation of a Union Territory with legislative powers under Article 239A, stressing that separation from the current government is the only viable path forward for the Kuki-Zo people. “We demand separation from such a biased government and hegemonic leadership as we can no longer endure the oppression,” Sitlhou affirmed.
Also Read | Manipur Violence: Kuki-Zo MLAs demand CM’s prosecution if guilty