Demand for a separate union territory intensifies in violence-hit Manipur…. – ..

Hundreds of tribal Kuki-Zo people took to the streets in the hill districts of Manipur demanding a political solution for the community to end the ongoing ethnic conflict in the Union Territory (UT) and the state.
The protest was led by the Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF). They said that creating a UT with a legislature under Article 239A could be a solution to the conflict. Let us tell you that intervention from the Center was sought to stop the ongoing confrontation. At least 221 people have been killed in Manipur so far and more than 50,000 people have been displaced. They are demanding an immediate solution. The protesters say that there will be no peace in the state until a political solution is found. For this, it is necessary to create a Union Territory for the Kuki-Zo people. Forced alliance with the Meitei people will not work. The protesters said that they were demanding a UT under Article 239A and demonstrated at the venue with such placards. Along with this, similar rallies were also organized in Kangpokpi, Tengnoupal and Firzol districts. The ITLF, a leading group of tribal organisations, said the government must expedite the process of finding a political solution to the decades-long ethnic conflict in the state as there has been no improvement in the security situation, with civilians being killed on a daily basis.
Women leader expressed anger
The coordination committee is also headed by Manipur Integrity’s women wing leader Y. Leri Kalima said that it is not right that the elected representatives of their tribe are silent on the issue. They should clarify their stand for the safety of the people. If they are unable to do so, they should resign from their post. Now they want to take the issue to the national capital.