CHURACHANDPUR: A peaceful mass protest rally was held against the government’s alleged “repeated attempt” to resettle the Meitei Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) into “buffer zones” in Kuki -Zo dominated area on Monday at Sangaikot subdivision of Churachandpur district, Manipur.
The rally, organised by Kuki Women’s Union, Sangaikot subdivision, was held between M Mollum village to Lailoiphai village by thousands holding banners that read “Mass Protest against government repeated attempt to resettle Meetei IDPs into Buffer Zone of Kuki -Zo areas.” The protesters also held placards such as ” No peace, no Re-Settlement”, “Respect buffer zone”, “No violation of buffer zone norms” and “political solution first then Re-Settlement “, among others.
The protesters also shouted slogans expressing their opposition to the rebuilding of Sugnu-Chura suspension bridge which was damaged a few days after the present crisis in Manipur started on May 3, 2023 and their determination to oppose the plan of Re-settlement in the buffer zone area inhabited by the Kuki -Zo.
Monday’s rally was the first action taken after the Sangaikot Area Chief Association announced on February 18 against the decision taken by the CM of Manipur at Kumbi for resettlement. The association said that any attempt for resettlement, civil work and any civilian trespassing the prohibited zone will be viewed as violation of buffer zone norms and such attempt would be opposed by them.
Meanwhile, the Chief Association of and CSOs of Sangaikot made a joint appeal to the company commanders of 9th ITBP, 25th ITBP, 58th ITBP, 10th BSF and 36th AR, buffer zone of Makhau Area, Churachandpur, for continued enforcement of Buffer Zone norms and regulations.