Hundreds of members of the Kuki-Zo community staged a peaceful protest in Manipur's Saikul Sub-Division of Kangpokpi district on Sunday, opposing the government's reported proposal to resettle displaced Meitei families in Dolaithabi. Demonstrating under the banner of the Kuki Inpi Saikul, protesters argued that any rehabilitation initiative undertaken without the consent of all affected communities risks undermining fragile peace efforts in the violence-hit state.

Men, women and young people participated in the demonstration, carrying placards and chanting slogans such as "No Peace, No Resettlement," "We Want Justice," and "Justice Before Peace." The protesters alleged that the proposed resettlement was being pursued unilaterally, without meaningful consultation between the Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities, despite the ethnic conflict that has persisted since May 2023.

According to Northeast News, the demonstration reflected growing concerns within the Kuki-Zo community that the government's rehabilitation strategy overlooks unresolved security and political issues stemming from the conflict. Protest leaders argued that rebuilding trust requires a negotiated process involving both communities rather than administrative decisions imposed from above.

Addressing the gathering, community leaders stressed that they were not opposed to reconciliation or the return of displaced civilians. However, they insisted that any resettlement process must be grounded in justice, security guarantees and mutual agreement between all stakeholders. They warned that proceeding without addressing the underlying causes of the conflict could deepen divisions and trigger fresh tensions.

One protest leader said justice could not be selective, asserting that rehabilitation should be bilateral rather than one-sided. "We are not against peace, but we cannot accept peace without justice," the leader said, emphasizing that the concerns of all affected communities must receive equal consideration.

The protesters urged the Manipur government to abandon what they described as a unilateral approach and instead facilitate an inclusive dialogue acceptable to both the Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities. They maintained that only a consensual political and humanitarian framework could ensure the safe return of displaced people and lay the foundation for lasting peace in the state.

The demonstration concluded peacefully, with participants reiterating that any durable solution to Manipur's prolonged ethnic crisis must be based on justice, mutual consent and equal treatment of all communities rather than unilateral administrative action.

BOB Post