A silent mass coffin rally was held in Churachandpur on Tuesday, organised by Joint Philanthropic Organisations, Lamka and supported by the Zomi Student Federation GHQ, the Kuki Students’ Organisation, Churachandpur and Hmar Students’ Association, Joint Headquarter, Tuithaphai.
The silent mass rally began from Lamka Public Ground, Hiangtam Lamka and was flagged off by the president of Young Vaiphei Association H Sangpi Vaiphei. The rallyists carried a banner that read “Justice for Indigenous People, Separate Administration the only solution” where the photos of the 12 who were recently killed in Jiribam were displayed. During the rally, volunteers carried 12 dummy coffins in the background.
The rally was led by leaders of JPO, Lamka and ended at the “Wall of Remembrance” in Tuibong.
Most schools, colleges and other establishments such as government offices and business establishments were closed. No vehicles were seen on the roads as a total shutdown was imposed by the organiser of the programme.
JPO convenor Laldawnlien Varte, prior to the start of the rally, said that the aim of the rally was to get justice for the 12 people, including the lady teacher from Zairawn, who died in Jiribam to protect their land and identity. He also called on the participants not to shout slogans as it was a mass silence rally.
There was no report of any untoward incident during the rally which started at 11 am and ended around 2 pm.
During a brief programme at the Wall of Remembrance, speeches from the victims’ families were witnessed.
JPO secretary Lianzalal gave the vote of thanks after which a memorandum for the Home Minister of India, Amit Shah ,praying for a just Proactive Intervention, demanding that post mortem report of the 10 HVV soon be made available, that there is just semblance of State Role, Separate administration must be made available, among others, was submitted to the DC of Churachandpur district.
