Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Imphal: Tensions are rising in Manipur after Kuki civil society organizations challenged a planned rally route by the All Naga Students' Association, Manipur. On June 4, the Kuki Students' Organization of Ukhrul and the Kuki CSO Working Committee issued formal objections to the march, which is slated to pass through Kuki-inhabited areas along National Highway-202.
The organizations expressed significant concerns regarding security in the corridor between Litan SareiKhong and Mahadev. They argued that the region is currently too unstable for large-scale gatherings, particularly given the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the alleged captivity of 14 Kuki men. This situation has created a climate of deep mistrust that local groups believe could be easily agitated by a political march.
While the Kuki Students' Organization acknowledged the democratic right to demonstrate, they criticized the lack of consultation with local stakeholders. They warned that moving forward without addressing these communal sensitivities could threaten regional peace. The Working Committee adopted a firmer stance, calling on organizers to reroute the event. A statement from the committee described the proposed route as "inappropriate under the prevailing circumstances."
Local groups warned that they would hold both the organizers and government authorities accountable for any untoward incidents during the march. They urged participants to avoid provocative behavior and suggested that any movement through sensitive zones requires better planning to prevent further conflict. As of now, the Kuki leadership remains firm in its request for the association to seek alternative paths to ensure public safety.
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