Manipur: Kuki-Zo community demands action from Home Minister against alleged government propaganda

Thousands of Kuki-Zo community members took to street amid heavy rain to protest against what they describe as "periodic propaganda campaigns" by the Manipur government and the majority Meitei community. The massive rally, organized by the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), took place at the Kangpokpi District Headquarters, where demonstrators urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to take immediate action to address their grievances.

Participants marched from Nute Kailhang, chanting slogans, and proceeded to the office of the Deputy Commissioner, Mahesh Chaudhari, IAS, where they submitted a memorandum outlining their demands. The memorandum calls for urgent intervention from the Union Government on several critical issues impacting the Kuki-Zo community.

Among the key points raised were demands for the protection of security institutions from political influence, particularly from the Meitei-dominated state government, and a condemnation of false narratives labeling the Kuki-Zo as "narco-terrorists" and "illegal immigrants." The community specifically criticized Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh's recent remarks suggesting an influx of Kuki militants from Myanmar, viewing this as part of an ongoing ethnocentric campaign.

The memorandum also addresses concerns over valley-based insurgent groups allegedly collaborating with Myanmar's military, threatening India’s national security. The Kuki-Zo community has cooperated with Union Government requests in the past, including lifting economic blockades and relocating burial sites, and they now urge for expedited negotiations with insurgent groups to foster peace.