Members of the Kuki-Zo tribal groups from Manipur staged a sit-in protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar on Friday. Pics/PTI
They expressed their dissatisfaction with the state and union governments for their inability to control ethnic violence in Manipur, which has persisted for over six months.
The protest was organised by the Joint UNAU Student's Forum Delhi, Kuki-Zo Women's Forum Delhi, and the UNAU Tribal Women's Forum Delhi.
The tribal community members raised their demand for a separate administration in the tribal areas of Manipur.
Suhas Chakma, Director of the Rights & Risks Analysis Group, criticized the government's response to the ongoing riots, stating that a responsible state would not allow a conflict to endure for six months.
Meanwhile, drawing parallels with past incidents, activist John Dayal compared the ongoing conflict in Manipur with events such as the anti-Sikh riots of 1984 and the situation in Gaza.
Former Lok Sabha MP Kim Gangte raised questions about the actions of the central and state governments, specifically Chief Minister N Biren Singh.
Gangte expressed her concerns regarding Singh's leadership and called for a meeting with the prime minister.
The protesters, displaying placards and the national flag, emphasized their desire for peace to be reinstated in Manipur. They also highlighted the need for a separate administration in tribal areas.
Manipur has been gripped by recurring episodes of violence since May, when ethnic clashes began between the Meitei and Kuki communities.
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