The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), Sadar Hills has, once again, decided to re-impose blockades along the National Highways No 2 and 37 from Sunday, a decision taken during a mass rally held in Kangpokpi on Saturday in protest against the statement of Union Home Minister Amit Shah and other related issues.
Thousands of Kuki-Zo people participated in the massive rally held from Brig. M. Thomas ground till DC office Kangpokpi. Organised by CoTU, it was held against the alleged prejudicial remark of Amit Shah on the Kuki-Zo people in Parliament and against the alleged violation of Kuki-Zo's freedom of thought and expression.
CoTU also submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi through the DC Kangpokpi.
CoTU general secretary Lamminlun Singsit said that the public rally was organized to protest the irresponsible remarks made by the UHM in the Lok-Sabha on August 9 and it was also to show their solidarity with the Kuki-Zo Academics and Intellectuals who are leveled baseless FIRs.
FIRs had been filed against the Kuki-Zo academics and intellectuals including Dr. Jangkhomang Guite, Dr. Thongkholal Haokip, Colonel (Retd.) Dr. Vijay Chenji, Professor Kham Khan Suan Hausing, Dr. Mary Grace Zou, WL Hangshing, Glady Vaiphei Hunjan, Ginza Vualzong, Loon Gangte, and Zomi Students Federation.
Lamminlun Singsit said the FIRs against the individuals and organizations for exercising their fundamental rights to freedom of thought and expression is illegal.
He also demanded the Centre to immediately re-impose AFSPA in the valley to curtail the sporadic violence and killing of innocent Kuki-Zo people.
Therefore, in protest against the failure of the govt to protect the Kuki-Zo communities, and its failure to ensure the free movement of goods meant for the hill districts, COTU has decided to re-impose the blockade in the National Highway-2 and National Highway-37 from midnight of Sunday, August 20, he said.
In its memorandum to the Prime Minister, CoTU has apprised PM Modi to address and take necessary action in connection with various issues.
In the memo, CoTU expressed their disappointment over Amit Shah’s statement in the Parliament; asked the PM to look into the FIRs filed against academics and intellectuals belonging to the Kuki-Zo tribal communities; to re-impose AFSPA in the valley citing instances of weapons being looted by the public; investigation by independent institutions and agencies with special powers; justice for the two women who were paraded naked, etc.
CoTU then urged the Prime Minister to have a sympathetic look at the mentioned issues for justice to precede so that recurrence of such intense violence is curtailed and the word "Peace" be established and consolidated between the two communities.
