CHURACHANDPUR, Aug 10 (PTI): The Joint Students’ Body
comprising the Zomi Students’ Federation (ZSF), Kuki Students’
Organisation (KSO) and Hmar Students’ Association (HSA) on
Thursday organised a rally in Manipur’s Churachandpur town to
observe 100 days of ethnic strife in the state.
Eyewitnesses said the students appreciated the resistance put
up by the village defence guards to prevent violence.
“The day was observed to pay tributes to the tribals who fought
the attackers. The Kuki-Zo tribals will not rest till their demands
are met and a separate administration formed,” a member of
the JSF said.
He said the demand for separate administration dates back to
the 1960s and the tribals “are not illegal immigrants as claimed
by some politicians.”
The students’ body said a one-minute silence was also observed
as a mark of respect to the tribals who were killed in the ethnic
strife.
On July 27, the body had submitted a memorandum to
Governor Anusuiya Uikey seeking necessary measures for Kuki-
Zomi University students affected by the ongoing violence in
the state.
Alleging discrimination towards tribal students, the students’
body had appealed to the governor to intervene into the
matter.
Meanwhile, 40 MLAs of violence-hit Manipur have written to
Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying the state requires
complete disarmament to foster an environment of peace and
security.
These MLAs, most of whom are ethnic Meiteis, also demanded
the withdrawal of the Suspension of Operations (SoO)
Agreement with Kuki militant groups, implementation of NRC in
the state and strengthening of the Autonomous District
Councils (ADCs).
In the memorandum, these MLAs opposed the demand for a
‘separate administration’ by Kuki groups.
“For the immediate establishment of security, simple
deployment of forces is inadequate. Although it is imperative to
halt the violence in the peripheral areas, a complete
disarmament is the key to achieve this goal. The entire state
requires a complete disarmament to foster an environment of
peace and security,” said the memorandum that was submitted
to PM Modi on Wednesday.
