IMPHAL, Jan 14: Thousands of people on Wednesday took part in a massive public rally organised by the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) in Manipur’s Churachandpur district, pressing for an expedited political settlement for the Kuki-Zo people, including their long-standing demand for a Union Territory with Legislature.

Backed by the Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF), the rally began around 11 am and was coordinated by Ginza Vualzong, spokesperson of both the ITLF and the KZC. Participants assembled at three designated locations — Rengkai Community Hall, Koite Playground and Sielmat Playground — before marching in a coordinated procession to Peace Ground at Tuibong, where the rally culminated in a public meeting.

Carrying banners and placards reading “We Demand UT with Legislature”, “Expedite Our Political Solution” and “Justice Delayed is Justice Denied”, the protesters raised slogans throughout the march, reiterating their demand for separate administration and Union Territory status.

Addressing the gathering, Vualzong said the mobilisation in Churachandpur was part of a broader campaign across Kuki-Zo inhabited areas. He said similar public rallies were being organised in districts including Tamenglong, Kangpokpi and Chandel.

“Our demand is to expedite the political solution for the Kuki-Zo people. The crisis in Manipur has continued for almost three years,” he said, adding that the Kuki-Zo Council had already submitted a political charter to the Government of India seeking Union Territory status with Legislature under Article 239A of the Constitution.

While political talks have been initiated with the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and the United People’s Front (UPF), both under Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreements, Vualzong stressed that the community was seeking faster and more decisive progress towards a settlement.

The rally concluded with a public meeting organised by the ITLF, addressed by KZC chairman Henlienthang Thanglet, along with leaders of philanthropic organisations and student bodies. Later in the day, KZC and ITLF leaders submitted a memorandum addressed to the Union Home Minister through the Deputy Commissioner of Churachandpur.