Kuki community marks 29th Separation Day with renewed call for separate administration

Updated:Oct 4, 2025
In a resounding reaffirmation of their political aspirations, the Kuki community observed the 29th Separation Day at the Martyr’s Cemetery in Phaijang, Sadar Hills, Kangpokpi district, and at the Wall of Remembrance in Tuibong, Churachandpur district, on Friday.

The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), a Kuki body based in Kangpokpi district, declared a 12-hour total shutdown in the district to mark the day. In Churachandpur, vehicle movement was restricted along the route to the Wall of Remembrance, Tuibong, from 2 PM until the observance concluded.

In Kangpokpi district, the solemn event was marked by floral tributes and a gun salute. CoTU and the leaders present urged the 10 Kuki MLAs to remain steadfast in their stand, refusing to partake in proceedings of the Manipur Legislative Assembly until the Government of India fulfills the long-pending aspirations of the community.

The gathering reaffirmed the historic 8-Point Public Resolution, adopted earlier on the 22nd Remembrance Day, with emphatic declarations: First, the movement for Separate Administration will continue relentlessly until the Government of India delivers a permanent settlement.

Second, there shall be no free movement or passage for the Meitei community in Kuki inhabited areas.Third, the Kuki community pledged to employ all democratic means to achieve its goal.

Fourth, leaders or organisations must not engage with Meitei-majoritarian political platforms or the State of Manipur for vested interests. Fifth, the community accused the Governor of Manipur of legitimising radical groups such as the Arambai Tenggol, thereby cementing the case for a strict buffer zone between communities.

Sixth, any arrest of Kuki village volunteers must be followed by their safe and unconditional release. Seventh, dialogue or “people-to-people contact” initiatives are unacceptable until the security situation and discriminatory policies against the Kuki are addressed.

Eighth, the demand for Separate Administration under Article 329A of the Constitution—preferably as a Union Territory with legislature—was declared non-negotiable.

In a sharply worded note, the Information and Publicity CoTU warned Kuki individuals, leaders, and organisations not to engage with what it described as “predators of our women, mythomaniac infidels, and perpetrators of mass genocide” until an appropriate political settlement is achieved.

The 29th Separation Day in Kangpokpi district ended with a renewed pledge to safeguard the unity, dignity, and political future of the Kuki people under the banner of Separate Administration.

Organised by the Kuki Inpi Churachandpur, the Kuki community in Churachandpur district also gathered at the Wall of Remembrance site in Tuibong in the evening and held a candlelight vigil to observe the day.

Speaking during the observance, the President of Kuki Inpi Manipur, Ch. Ajang Khongsai, delivered a speech highlighting the reasons behind the observance of Separation Day, while the Vice Chairman of the Kuki Council, Lien Mate, spoke on the ongoing Kuki political movement.

As part of the Jangnadopna project—a project initiated by the Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights to provide financial assistance to the families of Kuki martyrs—families of 20 Kuki martyrs were given financial assistance of ₹1 lakh each during the observance.

(With inputs from Kaybie Chongloi)