Kuki-Zo community demands restoration of rights, land and dignity

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: Amid the chaos and violence in Manipur, over 2,500 people from the Kuki-Zo community in Bengaluru gathered at the Freedom Park on Tuesday to protest against violence against their people in Manipur.

The protest organised by the Bangalore Unau Forum raised the voices of the Kuki Zo community fuelled by grief and determination. The protesters from the community demanded not just justice, but an acknowledgement from the government for the precious lives brutally taken by Meitei mobs.

The stories of loss shared by members of the Kuki Zo community were heartbreaking. One woman, with tears in her eyes, shared her story of how she fled Imphal three days after the riots, hoping that the violence would end within a week.

"I packed for a week and travelled to Bengaluru with my children," she said.

"I thought I would be back at work and my children would be back in school in a week, but it's been over three months now, and I still haven't gone home."

Another member of the Kuki community said, "We just want peace and justice. We're not asking for anything more."

Their slogans demanded the restoration of their rights, their land, and most importantly, their dignity. They demanded accountability, holding the Chief Minister of Manipur, Biren Singh, responsible for the violence, for he, too, held the key to their safety as the Home Minister of the state.

They demanded that the accused are arrested and justice is served. In a call for solidarity amongst all religions, genders, races, communities and ages, the protesters together sang, “We shall overcome this someday.”

Talking about the atrocities that are happening to women in Manipur, a protestor from Bengaluru said, “We all bleed red. Your mother, sister, daughter, wife, everyone bleeds red. Spelling their blood is a sin and it should not go unpunished.”

The protesters called on the Government of India to grant separate administration to the Kuki-Zo tribes, as they believe this is the most practical way to safeguard and protect the lives of the Kuki-Zo people.

The protest was peaceful and the protesters were able to make their voices heard. They hope that their protest will help to bring justice to the Kuki-Zo people of Manipur.