Imphal: The Kuki-Zo village volunteers from Tengnoupal and Chandel districts of Manipur on Wednesday announced that they will restrict free movement within Kuki-Zo areas.
This response follows the Federation of Civil Society’s (FOCS), a valley-based organization, announcement of a planned march towards hill districts on March 8.
The village volunteers, representing the Kuki-Zo community, stated that free movement will not be permitted until a separate administration or Union Territory with a legislature is established for the Kuki-Zo community.
This comes as Union home minister Amit Shah has directed the authorities to ensure free movement across the state from March 8 onwards.
However, the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) had announced restrictions on movement in the Kuki Zo areas.
Reacting to the proposed march announced by the Federation of Civil Society Organisations (FOCS), the Village Volunteer, Eastern Zone, in a statement said: “There will be no free movement in Kuki-Zo areas before the establishment of a separate administration/ Union Territory with a legislature for the Kuki-Zo people.”
“We stand firm in our commitment to protecting our people, our land and our future. Any attempt to infringe upon our rights or forcefully enter our areas will be met with strong resistance,” the statement added.
“The relentless injustices, inhumane atrocities, and systematic oppression committed against our people cannot be ignored or brushed aside under the pretence of peaceful marches. Those who have inflicted suffering on the Kuki-Zo people, those who have taken innocent lives, and those who continue to deny our fundamental rights will not be allowed free passage into our lands,” it said.
It further added, “Our demand for a separate administration is not just a political aspiration but a necessity for our survival, security, and dignity. We urge all concerned authorities to take note of the deep-rooted grievances and legitimate demands of the Kuki-Zo people. Until a just and lasting solution is reached, we will not allow those who have persecuted us to move freely in our territories.”
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In both Kuki and Meitei inhabited areas, there are voluntary village volunteers who profess to protect their community while guarding their respective areas.
