IMPHAL: The Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF), representing the Kuki-Zo community in Manipur, has announced plans for a non-violent demonstration on June 24, amid the ongoing crisis in the Northeast state.
The demonstration aims to press for the organisation’s demand for a separate Union Territory under Article 239A for the Kuki-Zo people of Manipur and to protest against the upcoming autonomous district council (ADC) elections.
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Ginza Vualzong, spokesperson for the ITLF, said that the central government’s attention is crucial to address their long-standing political demand.
He criticized the Manipur government’s decision to conduct ADC elections in Manipur, alleging that it aims to sow division within the Kuki-Zo tribals.
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“We have consistently sought separation from Manipur, and with no resolution to our political aspirations, we urge our people not to participate in the upcoming ADC elections,” Vualzong said.
The ITLF has also raised concerns over scrapping of the Free Movement Regime (FMR) along the India-Myanmar border.
Vualzong informed that the ITLF had communicated their objections to union home minister Amit Shah, urging a reversal of the decision to scrap FMR.
Highlighting the potential adverse impact of border fencing and FMR changes on tribal customs and traditions, Vualzong stressed the need for a “buffer zone” for Jiribam district in Manipur under the ministry of home affairs (MHA).