Hundreds march with empty coffins demanding separate Manipur state, justice
Churachandpur: In a strong protest, hundreds of people took to streets in Manipur’s Churachandpur district carrying empty coffins demanding a separate state and justice for those the protesters described as victims of state terrorism in the volatile state.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the rally, organized by the Joint Philanthropic Organisation (JPO), commenced at 11 AM and ended at the “Wall of Remembrance,” a memorial dedicated to Kuki christian people killed by the state apparatus since May 2023.
Placards demanding justice and a separate administration for hill areas were prominently displayed by the participants.
At least 10 people were killed in a fake encounter in Jiribam’s Jakuradhor area a few days ago.
Kuki-Zo groups said those killed were village volunteers defending their communities. This latest incident adds to the ongoing ethnic strife between the state-sponsored Hindu Meiteis of the Imphal Valley and the Kuki-Zo Christians in the hills, which has claimed over 220 lives and displaced thousands since May 2023.
The march culminated in the submission of a memorandum addressed to Indian Home Minister Amit Shah, demanding accountability and justice.
