IMPHAL: The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) has extended its shutdown by an additional 24 hours, intensifying its protest against what it perceives as the government's neglect of Kuki-Zo tribal rights.
Initially planned as a 12-hour shutdown from 2:00 pm on January 2 to 2:00 am on January 3, the protest now continues until 2:00 am on January 4, 2025. This decision follows a lack of response from authorities to CoTU’s grievances.
CoTU has also planned a mass public protest at the Kangpokpi district headquarters at 11:00 am on January 3 to further emphasize its demands. The extension and the planned demonstration reflect the growing frustration within the Kuki-Zo tribal communities, who feel their voices and concerns have been ignored by the government.
"This is not just a protest, which means people complaining and demanding. This is a struggle for justice and for survival of our people," CoTU declared. "We won't go home without seeing these demands implemented."
The central security forces deployed at Saibol in the Bungpi region of the Sadar Hills' Lhungtin Sub-Division are the immediate cause for CoTU's escalated action. CoTU states that this deployment is provocative and its presence threatens fragile peace in the region. From the committee, it follows that these forces only manage to further marginalize the Kuki-Zo tribes.
The deployment is unnecessary and inflammatory," CoTU declared. "It undermines the peace process and exacerbates the systemic neglect faced by our people.
CoTU has demanded the immediate withdrawal of the central security forces from Saibol, and called for dialogue and meaningful action to address the grievances of the Kuki-Zo tribes. The committee urged all members of the Kuki-Zo community to remain united, warning that continued government apathy will only bolster their resolve.
The extended shutdown is a symbol of the unyielding spirit of our people," CoTU asserted. "Justice delayed is justice denied, and we refuse to be silenced.
The CoTU protest has brought to the fore the struggle of the Kuki-Zo tribes for recognition, equality, and justice. As the shutdown continues and public protest looms, all eyes are on the government to see how it will respond to the growing demands of the tribal communities.
The actions by CoTU also point to the important message; their struggle is not just seeking attention but the determined fight to preserve their rights and identity.
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