The Kuki-Zo community in Kangpokpi district marked the one year of Kuki-Zo Martyrs’ Remembrance Day as “Separation Day” under the theme “Be Strong and Courageous,” drawn from Joshua 1:9 with the resounding slogan “You Sacrifice Your Today for Our Tomorrow.”
The solemn event held at the Martyrs’ Cemetery in Phaijang village, Kangpokpi district, under the aegis of CoTU, was attended by thousands of Kuki-Zo people, including family members and loved ones of the fallen Kuki-Zo martyrs.
The “Separation Day” was observed with a total and absolute shutdown across the entire district, which began at midnight on May 2 and will culminate at midnight on May 3. Apart from those exempted from the purview of the total shutdown, all types of vehicles stayed off the road, leaving the otherwise busy National Highway-2 deserted and desolate.
As directed by the committee, the Kuki-Zo community displayed unity and respect by hoisting black flags at their respective homes while observing candlelight vigils. Additionally, candlelight vigils were also held along the National Highway from Gamgiphai to Taphou and in all bazaar and town areas.
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During the solemn noon session, a heartfelt floral tribute was accompanied by a profound gun salute paying homage to the fallen Kuki-Zo martyrs. The entire Kuki-Zo community stood unified in commemorating Remembrance Day as a Separation Day, donning solemn black attire.
A brief report by CoTU General Secretary Lamminlun Singsit was followed by a keynote address from the committee’s Vice Chairman, Lunthang Haokip, before the “Separation Day” observation message from various Kuki-Zo bodies, including the apex body and chiefs association, etc.
Speaking on the sidelines of the observation, CoTU Media Cell Coordinator Ng Lun Kipgen said that the Remembrance Day observed on the third of every month has gained significance today as it has completed one year.
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He pointed out that during this whole year, not a single instruction or action has been initiated by the centre to the state to stop the unabated attacks on the Kuki-Zo community.
Emphasizing the significance of observing Separation Day, Ng Lun Kipgen underscored that each observance serves as a poignant reminder to the central government that within the esteemed nation of India, a segment of the state has veered towards Talibanization, bulldozing the separation of the minority Kuki-Zo from the majority Meitei and it is for this compelling reason that the Kuki-Zo community steadfastly observed Separation Day.
He also said that it is also to provide solace to the bereaved families of the fallen Kuki-Zo martyrs.
