On the first anniversary of the clash which broke out in Manipur on May 3, 2023, the people of Churachandpur, under the aegis of ITLF, observed the day as “Kuki-Zo Awakening Day and Solidarity Day of the Zo people” where the people reaffirmed their pledge for separate administration.
The occasion was marked with a series of programmes organised by ITLF which started at 7 am. In the evening, Christian Goodwill Council, Lamka, organised a condolence service followed by a floral tribute to the martyrs which was attended by their family; it was organised by JPO, Lamka, with the main programme held at the Wall of Remembrance.
At the Wall of Remembrance, ITLF chairman Pagin Haokip, in his welcome speech, said that May 3, 2023, exploded following which we had undergone a period of hardship which also awakened us and thus we have the Kuki-Zo Awakening day.
In the evening, a candlelight vigil was organised to honour the martyrs simultaneously at martyrs park, Sehlen and at the Wall of Remembrance which was organised by Student Body and Zomi Student Federation respectively.
Till today, 176 Kuki-Zomi-Hmars have died in the clash out of which 100 are buried at Martyrs Park, Sehlen. Statistics available indicate that 357 Churches and quarters, over 4550 houses burned, over 257 settlements burned and more than 45,000 persons displaced.
