To mark one year of ethnic cleansing ITLF calls for total shutdown
To mark one year of ethnic cleansing ITLF calls for total shutdown
Imphal: The Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF), an influential Kuki outfit, on Wednesday announced a “shutdown” and hoisted black flags on May 3, when the Meitei-Kuki conflict in Manipur will complete one year.
As a show of respect and solidarity, the forum is urging all members of the Kuki-Zo community to hoist black flags at every home, while all businesses, institutions and markets are requested to remain closed.
“The shutdown will commence from the early hours of May 3 and will continue throughout the day. We encourage everyone to participate wholeheartedly in this symbolic gesture to honor the sacrifices and struggles of our warriors”, the ITLF said in a statement.
“Let us come together as one community to reflect on our journey, reaffirm our oneness, and strengthen our resolve towards a brighter future for the Kuki-Zo people,” the ITLF said.
A total 224 people, belonging to both Kuki and Meiteis have been killed and over 60,000 others have been displaced due to the conflict. Sporadic incidents of firing have kept the state on the boil despite the presence of a large number of central security forces including imposed Indian army.
