A massive wave of Kuki-Zo protestors filled the streets of Gamgiphai on Tuesday, voicing deep anger and sorrow over the recent Jiribam ‘massacre’ allegedly perpetrated by the CRPF.
Thousands gathered under the banner of the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) Sadar Hills, chanting, “CRPF Down Down,” “We Want Justice,” and “We Are Indian, Not Terrorists,” as they demanded accountability and an end to what they call targeted violence against their community.
As the Kuki-Zo mass protest unfolded in Gamgiphai, another attack on Zairawn village in Jiribam by an armed Meitei group was reported. Zairawn village was first attacked on the evening of November 7, leading to the death of a 31-year-old school teacher.
They highlighted that during the November 7 attack on Zairawn village, the CRPF stood by as silent spectators, allowing the armed Meitei group to unleash a brutal assault on innocents.
During the protest, the community observed a somber condolence ceremony along National Highway 2, lighting candles and laying flowers in tribute to the eleven Kuki-Zo volunteers who reportedly lost their lives. Pastors and religious leaders led prayers, invoking solace for the bereaved families and peace for a community shaken by loss and fear.
During the mass protest held by an outraged and grieving Kuki-Zo community in Gamgiphai, Ng Lun Kipgen, spokesperson for the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), alleged suspicious behavior by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) surrounding the recent massacre in Jiribam.
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Kipgen pointed out, “We have trained our volunteers never to raise their guns against central security forces. This stance has been known to the central government and the entire world since the majority community’s onslaught began on May 3.”
Addressing Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Kipgen reminded him of the government’s decision to replace the Assam Rifles, which had maintained neutrality for the past year, with the CRPF—a move he characterized as appeasement to the majority community.
He called on Home Minister Amit Shah to reverse the decision, insisting that peace can only be achieved by reinstalling Assam Rifles in critical areas such as Churachandpur and Kangpokpi.
Underlining the gravity of the situation, Kipgen reiterated the community’s demand: “We want Assam Rifles back,” as he described the deteriorating conditions since the CRPF’s deployment.
Meanwhile, condemning the Jiribam massacre, the Kuki Inpi Jiribam, Tamenglong, and Noney (KIJTN) stated that the volunteers were killed in a “cold-blooded murder” despite having peacefully approached security forces.
