Kuki Inpi Manipur on Sunday (May 03)observed the 3rd “Separation Day”, marking what it described as a “day of total separation” from the Meitei community, while reaffirming its demand for a separate Union Territory with legislature under Article 239A of the Constitution.

In a statement, the organisation said the day was marked with collective resolve and remembrance of those killed in the ethnic violence that began on May 3, 2023. It highlighted the continued hardships faced by the Kuki-Zo people over the past three years, including displacement, loss of livelihood and psychological trauma.

The statement also alleged systemic discrimination, selective action and institutional bias under the Manipur government, citing the recent arrest of a social leader from Tengnoupal district as an example. It expressed concern over what it termed “unequal enforcement of law”, claiming that several accused in major violence-related cases have not been held accountable.

Kuki Inpi reiterated that the existing state structure had failed to ensure protection and equal treatment, and maintained that the creation of a Union Territory was necessary to secure justice, peace and constitutional safeguards for the Kuki-Zo people. It urged the Centre to take decisive steps towards a “just and equitable solution”.

Meanwhile, the Kuki Organisation for Human Rights Trust (KOHUR) issued a separate statement demanding a Supreme Court-monitored investigation into the 2023 violence. The organisation alleged serious lapses in law enforcement, including lack of arrests and prosecutions in major cases involving killings, arson and other crimes.

KOHUR also raised concerns over public safety, referring to the attack on BJP MLA Vungzagin Valte during the violence, and alleged large-scale looting of weapons from state armouries. It called for a time-bound probe under Supreme Court supervision, immediate legal action against those involved, and public disclosure of forensic and digital evidence.