June 24, 2024: Thousands of protesters from the Kuki-Zo tribal community marched through the streets in Lamka (Churachandpur) on Monday demanding a political solution to end the year-long ethnic violence in Manipur.
The rally, organized by the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF), started at Lamka Public Ground in the center of town at 11 am and ended at the Wall of Remembrance, a memorial for almost 200 tribals killed during the violence.
Protesters held placards like “No Political Solution, No Peace”, “Union Territory for the Kuki-Zo People Right Now!”, “Forced Union With Meiteis Will Not Last” and “We Want UT Under Article 239A”.
ITLF Chairman Pagin Haokip delivered the keynote address at the rally. Other speakers include MLA Paolienlal Haokip, Zo United Secretary Rev. VL Ngakthang, Zomi Council General Secretary Pauneihlal and Kuki Inpi Manipur Vice President Jangmang Haokip . ITLF General Secretary Muan Tombing read out the content of the memorandum to be submitted to the Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
The peaceful rally was organized to demand that the central government expedite the process of finding a political solution to the violence in Manipur. Tribals want the creation of a Union Territory with legislature under article 239A of the constitution. Similar rallies were also held in Kangpokpi, Tengnoupal and Pherzawl districts on the same day.
