New Delhi: To mark one year of ethnic conflict in Manipur, Kuki-Zo and Meitei civil society organisations have planned several events for Friday, May 3.
While Kuki groups have decided to observe it as a day of “remembrance” for their fallen and “awakening” of their people, Meitei organisations have said that they will observe it as “the day illegal immigrants backed by narco-terrorists began their aggression”, The Hindu reported.
Following a Manipur court order directing the state government to include Meiteis in the Scheduled Tribes, the year-long ethnic conflict between valley-based Meitei and hill-based Kuki-Zo tribal groups began on May 3 last year. The conflict has so far claimed the lives of over 220 people, injured thousands, and made tens of thousands of people homeless. Thousands have been living in relief camps both inside the state and outside.
The Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF) in Churachandpur, a Kuki tribal body, issued a public appeal calling for a shutdown on May 3. “As part of this solemn occasion, we urge all members of the Kuki-Zo community to hoist a black flag on every household as a mark of remembrance and solidarity. Additionally, all business establishments, institutions, and markets are requested to remain closed on this day as a sign of respect and homage to our fallen heroes,” said ITLF.
It added, “Let us come together as one community to reflect on our journey, reaffirm our oneness, and strengthen our resolve towards a brighter future for the Kuki-Zo people.”
The ITLF in Churachandpur has also planned a remembrance event at the “Wall of Remembrance” near the District Commissioner’s Office in the district. Special prayers will be conducted, and speeches will be delivered at the event.
Kuki-Zo civil society organisations in Kangpokpi district also gave a similar call. “There will be an event to honour our fallen at the Martyrs’ Cemetery in Phaijang and later in the evening we will be lighting candles for them as well,” said Janghoulun Haokip of the Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) in Kangpokpi. KIM is the apex body of Kuki tribes in the state.
Calling May 3 as “Kuki-Zo Awakening Day”, KIM said, “It will be remembered as a day of great awakening for the Kuki-Zo people from the ruins of the systemic persecution and oppression of our people under the Manipur State Government towards revolutionary transformation of our land and our society.”
Meanwhile, Meiteis groups will hold an event at Shumang Lila Sanglen in Imphal East. An appeal will be made during the event to track down over 35 Meitei people who have gone missing since the violence broke out last year.
