Manipur: Kuki-Zo community wants Union Territory from Centre as Christmas Gift

Thousands of Kuki-Zo people across Sadar Hills, Kangpokpi observed the 19th Remembrance Day today at Saikul Sub Divisional Headquarters in Saikul Hill Town. The district-level commemoration, organized by the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), was hosted by Kuki Inpi Saikul Gamkai in collaboration with KSO Saikul and KWU Saikul. The occasion marked remembrance of the fallen Kuki-Zo martyrs who have lost their lives in the ongoing conflict in the region.

The business establishments, schools, and other institutions in the district remained closed throughout the day. However, vehicular movement was exempted from the total shutdown, allowing essential travel while maintaining the solemnity of the occasion.

The 19th Remembrance Day also served as a platform to voice a critical political demand. Leaders called on the Government of India to urgently grant the Kuki-Zo people their political rights, specifically the demand for a Union Territory (UT) with a Legislature. The appeal, delivered with deep emotion and unity, was framed as a hopeful request for the Government to grant the political demand as a “Christmas Gift.”

Lamminlun Singsit, the General Secretary of CoTU raised the issue of political recognition. “We have gathered here today to honor our fallen martyrs and stand firm in our commitment to our political movement. Enough is enough; we cannot wait any longer for our rightful political solution,” he declared.

Speaking to TDG, Singsit stated, “We uphold our political demand and we are steadfast until this demand is at our hands. We appeal to the Centre to not delay our political demand. As a Christmas token of gift, we appeal to the Centre to give a final solution to the Kuki Zo community which is the Union Territory.”

The appeal for political recognition comes amidst growing concerns about the delays in addressing the long-standing demands of the Kuki-Zo community. Singsit emphasized the urgency of the matter, urging the Government of India not to further delay a solution that has long been sought by the people. “We stand united, and we call on the Centre to recognize our political aspirations,” he added.

The 19th Remembrance Day not only honors the sacrifices of the Kuki-Zo martyrs but also stands as a powerful reminder of the community’s determination to achieve political justice. As the call for a Union Territory with a Legislature echoes through the hills, the Kuki-Zo people remain resolute, waiting for a response from the Government of India to their long-overdue demand.