Tensions Flare up between Kuki-Zou over ethnicity
CONFLICT
Imphal: In the ongoing strife spanning over 7 months between the Kuki-Zou and Meitei communities, tensions took a new turn as the Kuki and Zo communities who were collectively demanding a separate administration from the government of Manipur clashed each other recently in Churachandpur district, injuring many.
To prevent escalation of tension, the state authorities shutdown mobile data accesss in the entire district of Churachandpur.
The conflict reportedly arose due to the raising of the Zomi flag and display of Zogam (Zoland) graphic near a memorial stone in Thingkangphai, a Kuki village amidst the Zo population .
Eyewitnesses reported a scuffle involving 50-60 individuals from both sides, escalating as more members joined in.
Thankfully, the intervention of the district police and the CRPF’s Quick Response Team managed to disperse the crowd and restore order.
Communal tensions had been brewing between the Kuki-Zo groups, initially triggered by disagreements over naming the burial site of those killed in clashes that began on May 3.
To prevent further escalation, the district administration imposed prohibitory orders, restricting assembly and the carrying of weapons. Additional confrontations between Kukis and Zo occurred at Selmat bridge, resulting in injuries to 22 individuals, some sustaining minor head injuries.
The latest turn of events triggered after 41 dead bodies belonging to Kuki- Zo were airlifted from Imphal to Churachandpur in compliance with a Supreme ruling passed on 28 Nov that directed the state government to facilitate a dignified burial or cremation for them.
The Superintendent of Police (Churachandpur) called for a meeting of community leaders to address the escalating tensions.
Meanwhile, law enforcement remains vigilant with police and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) deployed in critical areas to maintain control and prevent further strife.
The Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF) who is spearheading the demand for a separate administration for the Kuki-Zo, in its presidential meeting resolved the impasse by unanimously deciding to name the burial site as ‘Kuki-Zo Martyrs Cemetery’ ending the tension between the Kuki-Zo for now.