Imphal: Hundreds of people from the Kuki-Zo community on Friday took out a rally under the banner of Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) in Kuki-Zo dominated districts and submitted a memorandum to PM Narendra Modi outlining a seven-point charter of demands.In Churachandpur district, the rally began in Koite village playground and concluded at the Peace Ground in Tuibong, where a meeting was held.The memorandum, jointly signed by leaders of the Kuki Inpi Churachandpur, Kuki Chiefs’ Association Churachandpur, Kuki Students’ Organisation Churachandpur, Kuki Khanglai Lawmpi, Kuki Women Union Churachandpur and Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights, was submitted through the district collector.It said 11 Kuki villages had been ravaged and 14 Kuki-Zo civilians killed in recent incidents of violence. The groups sought urgent intervention of the PM over the deteriorating Kuki-Naga relations, alleged targeted attacks on Kuki-Zos, and the worsening security situation in Manipur.The organisations claimed that the continued attacks and delays in addressing the incidents had deepened feelings of insecurity and alienation among the Kuki-Zo community. They urged the Centre to act impartially and ensure justice, provide security, and implement confidence-building measures.Among their key demands, the organisations sought a judicial inquiry into the June 16 killing of Lenminsang during a security operation at Songkong village in Henglep subdivision. They alleged the victim was an innocent civilian and called for registration of an FIR against the personnel involved and accountability through due legal process.The Assam Rifles and Defence Public Relations Officer, however, identified the man killed in the operation as a cadre of the United Kuki National Army (UKNA), contradicting claims by Kuki-Zo groups.The memorandum also demanded a review and abrogation of the ceasefire agreement with the NSCN-IM, alleging its involvement in activities threatening Kuki-Zo security.Other demands included justice for the 14 Kuki-Zo civilians killed in recent violence, a time-bound investigation into the burning and destruction of 11 Kuki villages, and the immediate deployment of ‘neutral’ central security forces in vulnerable Kuki-Zo areas.The organisations further sought a transparent, time-bound report on all ongoing investigations related to killings, arson and attacks on Kuki-Zo villages, while reiterating their demand for an expedited political settlement for Kuki-Zos.Speaking to reporters after the rally, KIM spokesperson Sasang Vaiphei said the rally was organised to present grievances of the Kuki-Zo people before the central govt and to seek justice, protection, accountability and lasting peace.In Kangpokpi district, the rally was taken out along National Highway-2 before culminating at the Kangpokpi DC office, where the memorandum was submitted.
