The Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO) Delhi & NCR held a peaceful protest at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi on Saturday, 25 October 2025, calling for a “Separate Administration” for the Kuki–Zo community in Manipur. The demonstrators carried banners reading “Popular Government is 'Forged' Justice – Separation is True Justice.”
The programme began with a solemn tribute to those who lost their lives in the ongoing ethnic conflict in Manipur, including victims of brutal killings and sexual violence. The gathering paid respects to the late Florence and Olivia, the beheaded Richard Thiek, and several Kuki–Zo village volunteers whose bodies were mutilated.
Rev. Wilson Gangte, Pastor of Gangte Christian Fellowship (GCF), Delhi, led the opening prayer, setting a solemn tone for the event.
According to the KSO Delhi & NCR, over 220 lives have been lost, more than 60,000 people displaced, and hundreds of villages destroyed since violence erupted in May 2023. Many survivors remain in relief camps without adequate food, shelter, or healthcare.
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The KSO also highlighted the looting of over 6,000 guns, 14,400 bombs, and 6.5 lakh bullets from police armouries in Manipur, calling it the “gravest threat to national security since independence.” The group criticised both the state and central governments for failing to recover the majority of these weapons even months after the incidents, warning that the unchecked proliferation of arms has worsened insecurity in the hills.
In his keynote address, Dr. L. Thangpu Guite spoke with emotion and determination. He said:
“We stand stronger than ever — declaring before the world that we will not be silenced.”
“We do not seek to break India — we seek a Separate Administration within India, where our people can live free from fear, govern ourselves, and rebuild our future.”
Ms. Glady Vaiphei Hunjan, Advisor of the Kuki–Zo Women Forum Delhi, made a passionate appeal:
“Government of India, don’t send us back to the Imphal valley — to our murderers, rapists, and those who chased us out. We love India deeply, but we need a solution from the Central Government. Please don’t send us back.”
Mr. Paokhup Guite, President of KSO Delhi & NCR, said in a statement:
“The pain we carry is real, but so is our determination. Our call for a Separate Administration is not rebellion — it is survival.”
“Let Delhi hear us loud and clear — the Kuki–Zo people will not fade into silence. We will rise again, rebuild our villages, and reclaim our dignity.”
Other speakers, including Ms. Marlyn, Convenor of KZWFD, and Mr. Thangminlal Doungel, Vice President (Admin) of KSOD&NCR, sharply criticised Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, the Arambai Tenggol group, and Meitei militants, insisting that “separation is the only solution.”
KSOD&NCR advisor Mr. Boilen Haokip urged the Central Government to declare a Union Territory (UT) for the Kuki–Zo region:
“Declare UT for Kukiland. We will make India better and beautiful. We will fight and die for India like our brave forefathers. No UT, no rest.”
The Kukis have a long history of bravery and patriotism. They fought against the British from 1917 to 1919 (Anglo Kuki War) to defend their ancestral land. Many Kukis later joined the Indian National Army (INA) under Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose during India’s freedom struggle. Of the 188 recorded freedom fighters from Manipur, 162 were Kukis, and their names are engraved at the INA Memorial Complex (estd. 11985) in Moirang. However, there are growing concerns that these contributions could one day be erased due to deep-rooted hatred. Historically, the Kukis also protected and saved Meitei kings from their enemies.
However, the list of freedom fighters from Manipur is not available or displayed on the official website of the INA Museum (inamuseum.mn.gov.in) as of today’s access. This raises the question of whether the concerned authorities or the state are withholding this vital piece of information, which the public has remained unaware of until now.
Mr. Letkholun Suantak called for unity among the Kuki–Zo community, saying, “We must stand together as one to achieve our demands.”
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A memorandum submitted to the Prime Minister of India highlighted five key demands:
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Justice and Accountability – Independent and transparent investigations into atrocities since May 2023.
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Separate Administration – Creation of a Union Territory with its own legislature to ensure safety and equality.
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Safeguard Against Forged Justice – Protection from systemic injustice under the current state administration.
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Humanitarian Relief and Rehabilitation – Immediate support for displaced families with housing, healthcare, and education.
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Maintaining Buffer Zones – Preservation of existing boundaries between Kuki–Zo and Meitei areas to prevent renewed conflict.
The event was hosted by Mr. Nick Gou Kuki and Ms. Chochong, featuring spirited slogans in both English and Hindi.
The peaceful gathering concluded with the national anthem “Jana Gana Mana”, sung with deep respect and patriotism, followed by a closing prayer from Pastor Lalminlian Samte of the Zou Christian Bible Church (ZCBC).
!!! Slogans that Echo Justice: The Cry of Kuki-Zo People !!!
MEDIA BITES
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