Commemorating Three Years of Ethnic Violence in Manipur: Protests and Tributes

Marking the Anniversary of Ethnic Violence

On Sunday, rallies and shutdowns were organized in both the Kukis and Zo communities as they commemorated the third anniversary of the ethnic violence that erupted on May 3, 2023. This tragic event resulted in over 260 fatalities and displaced more than 60,000 individuals, leading to a year-long imposition of President's Rule. In observance of this day, both the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities held separate commemorative events in their respective key districts in Manipur.

Hundreds of Meitei protesters marched through various districts in the Imphal Valley, including Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, Kakching, and Bishnupur. They demanded the implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) prior to the census and called for the preservation of Manipur's administrative and territorial integrity. Meanwhile, Kuki-Zo organizations observed a shutdown in Kangpokpi district and held meetings in Churachandpur district to pay tribute to the victims of the violence.

Public Gatherings and Demands for Peace

In the Nambol area of Bishnupur district, a demonstration organized by the United Protection Committee saw hundreds of participants. Additionally, the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), the state's highest civilian body, hosted a public conference in Imphal East under the banner 'Three Years of the Manipur Crisis.' During this conference, six key demands were presented to pressure the central government to restore peace in Manipur. One of these demands included COCOMI's proposal to observe May 3 as 'Anti-Drug Terrorism Day.' COCOMI spokesperson Shanta Nahakpan stated that this public discussion was held in light of the ongoing conflict in the state, which has persisted for three years due to attacks by Kuki-Zo narco-terrorists.

Shutdowns and Memorials in Kukis Areas

In the meantime, Kuki organizations called for a complete shutdown in Kangpokpi district, while a gathering was held in Churachandpur district to remember the victims of the crisis. Both Kangpokpi and Churachandpur are predominantly Kuki-Zo districts in Manipur, where commercial establishments and public transport services were significantly disrupted. The Tribal Unity Committee (COTU) in Kangpokpi enforced a 12-hour complete shutdown starting at 6 AM on Sunday. Furthermore, the Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF) commemorated this day as 'Separation Day from Meitei' in Churachandpur, while the Zo community observed it at the Martyrs' Park in Churachandpur. ITLF spokesperson Ginza Vualzong remarked, 'Over 250 individuals from the Kuki community lost their lives during this crisis, with more than 40,000 displaced, around 7,000 homes destroyed, and approximately 360 churches demolished. We cannot forget the atrocities we have endured. The crisis began following the 'Tribal Solidarity March' held in the hill districts, particularly in Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, and Moreh, in opposition to the Manipur High Court's recommendation to include Meitei in the Scheduled Tribe list in 2023.'