Kuki Students Organisation Holds Rally in Delhi, Advocates for Separate Administration for Kuki-Zo Community

The Kuki Students Organisation held a rally in Delhi demanding justice and a separate administrative arrangement for the Kuki-Zo community due to ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur. The event highlighted the community's plight and called for constitutional protections.

A peaceful rally was organised by the Kuki Students Organisation-Delhi and NCR at Jantar Mantar. The event aimed to demand justice and a distinct administrative framework for the Kuki-Zo community in Manipur. This call for change comes after more than two years of ongoing ethnic violence and displacement affecting the community.

The rally, themed "Forged Government is Forged Justice; Separate Administration is True Justice," saw participation from students, human rights advocates, and community leaders. They collectively urged for constitutional and human rights protections for those impacted by the violence. A statement from the organisation emphasised these demands.

Community's Grief and Injustice

In a memorandum addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Paajahup Guite, the organisation's president, conveyed the community's deep sorrow and persistent sense of injustice since the violence erupted in May 2023. The Kuki-Zo people have faced targeted attacks, village burnings, church desecrations, and forced displacements.

The statement highlighted that over 220 lives have been lost, with more than 60,000 individuals displaced across relief camps in Manipur and neighbouring states. Despite clear evidence and numerous appeals for accountability, justice remains elusive for the affected community.

Demands for Separate Administration

The organisation stressed that coexistence under a majoritarian-controlled state administration is no longer feasible. They are advocating for a separate administrative set-up within India, complete with its own legislature. This demand aims to ensure fair governance for the Kuki-Zo people.

The memorandum outlined five key demands: justice and accountability for the violence, creation of a separate administration, safeguards against forced justice, humanitarian relief and rehabilitation, and maintenance of a buffer zone between Kuki-Zo and Meitei-inhabited areas to prevent renewed conflict.

Faith in Constitutional Ideals

Reaffirming their belief in India's constitutional principles, the organisation stated, "We do not seek privilege, we seek justice. Let the Kuki-Zo people not remain exiles in their ancestral land." This plea underscores their desire for rightful recognition and protection within their homeland.

The silence surrounding justice has become overwhelming, according to the Kuki Students Organisation-Delhi NCR. They warned that continued inaction could irreparably damage faith in the system. The call for change is urgent to prevent further fractures within the community.

With inputs from PTI