Anger boils over in Churachandpur as hundreds rally over Kuki-Zo killings, MLA’s death

Churachandpur: Hundreds of volunteers from the central village defence forces (CVDF) and local residents staged a road march in Churachandpur on Friday evening, protesting the killing of Kuki-Zo people since May 3, 2023, and more specifically the death of BJP MLA Vungzagin Valte in Feb.

Valte had succumbed to injuries sustained during a mob attack in Imphal three years ago.The march began at 5:47pm from the CVDF office, splitting into two groups — one proceeding along the main road to Lamka Public Ground, while the other moved through Gangpualkoi, Pearsonmun, Bungmual, Phailien, and Tipaimukh before converging at the ground.CVDF liaison officer Rose said, “The march is to protest against injustice in a democratic country.

Justice has not been given not only to those who died and suffered but even to those displaced. We have the freedom to protest democratically.”She added, “Even when a serving BJP MLA has not been given justice after three years, how can the rest of the slain people expect justice?” While stressing that the protest was democratic, she cautioned: “It is not a threat, but a day will come when people may turn violent and rebellious.”Volunteers carried banners reading “Justice for All Martyrs” and “Expedite Political Autonomy”, while chants of “Justice, Justice for Zogam” echoed through the streets.