Members of the Kuki-Zo community held a protest at Jantar Mantar, demanding action against Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh over an audio recording. The clip allegedly reveals him boasting about orchestrating violence against their community. Protesters, numbering around 500, dressed in black and chanted slogans while addressing a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. They claim to have faced an ongoing campaign of ethnic cleansing since May 2023, predominantly from the Meitei community. The Manipur government has dismissed the recording as doctored, with Singh claiming a conspiracy against him. The protesters are calling for a thorough investigation and a separate administrative status for Kuki-Zo areas, emphasizing their need for safety and justice.
The Kuki-Zo community held a significant protest at Jantar Mantar on Saturday, calling for action against Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh. The demonstration was sparked by an audio clip in which Singh allegedly discusses his involvement in the violence affecting the Kuki-Zo people. Around 500 protestors, mostly dressed in black, gathered to express their grievances, chanting slogans and playing patriotic songs before concluding with the national anthem.
In their memorandum sent to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO) highlighted the ongoing violence against their community, which they say has escalated since May 3, 2023, and called for an investigation into the chief minister’s actions. They stated that the audio recording confirms their longstanding concerns about the state’s complicity in the ethnic persecution of the Kuki-Zo people.
Singh has dismissed the audio as a doctored attempt to undermine his position, claiming that a conspiracy is at play against him. However, the KSO is demanding a thorough investigation into the chief minister’s role and a formal response from the central government.
The protesters are not only seeking justice for their community but are also advocating for a separate administration for the Kuki-Zo areas, suggesting that these regions be recognized as a union territory with their own legislature. They believe this move will help ensure their safety and facilitate a more stable environment in the wake of the recent turmoil.
Speaking at the protest, Kuki Inpi representatives expressed their distress over the situation, emphasizing the need for security and respect. They argued for a peaceful coexistence and a framework that would allow them to live safely in the region they have long called home.
The demand for action against Chief Minister N Biren Singh reflects the growing unrest within the community and their plea for federal intervention to prevent further violence and to safeguard their rights.
Tags: Kuki-Zo Community, Manipur Protests, N Biren Singh, Ethnic Violence, Kuki Students’ Organisation, Union Territory, National Anthem.
What are the Kuki-Zo community protests about?
The Kuki-Zo community protests are about demanding action against the Chief Minister of Manipur. They want justice and support for their community in light of recent conflicts.
Why are the protesters in Delhi?
The protesters are in Delhi to make their voices heard at the national level. They hope to gain attention from the government and media regarding their issues in Manipur.
What do the protesters want from the government?
The protesters want the government to take strong action against Manipur’s Chief Minister and ensure justice for the Kuki-Zo community affected by violence and discrimination.
How long have the protests been going on?
The protests have been ongoing for several weeks as the Kuki-Zo community continues to seek resolution and acknowledgment of their demands.
Are there any talks between the protesters and the government?
As of now, there have been limited talks, but the protesters are urging for more discussions to take place to address their concerns directly with government officials.