‘We want justice, not revenge’: Manipur’s Kuki-Zo women pay tribute to slain Gorkha farmer

Kuki-Zo women on October 11 paid their last respects to Gorkha farmer Sundip Rai, who was allegedly killed in an ambush by NSCN-IM cadres while travelling to his farmland at Chepu Yaolen on October 10.

The condolence programme was organised at Gamgiphai under the aegis of the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), amid a 24-hour total shutdown across Kangpokpi district.

Rai’s body was brought from Imphal after a post-mortem examination and was being transported to his native village in Senapati district when members of the Kuki-Zo community gathered to pay tribute to him.

The women held banners expressing condolences and offered prayers for the bereaved family. As a mark of solidarity, CoTU members draped a traditional shawl over the coffin.

A Gorkha community leader thanked the Kuki-Zo community and CoTU for their support and solidarity during the period of mourning. The convoy carrying Rai’s body subsequently proceeded towards Senapati district.

Speaking at the condolence programme, Boishi Sitlhou, representing the Kuki-Zo women, called for an end to violence and demanded justice for civilians killed in the region.

Sitlhou said people had endured prolonged suffering since May 13, with reports of homes being burned, families displaced and villages facing shortages of food, medicines and other essential supplies.

She said the shutdown was intended to convey opposition to continued violence and highlighted the suffering of families affected by the killings in Chassad, Kamjong district.

Condemning the alleged killings of civilians by NSCN-IM cadres, Sitlhou called for accountability and said those responsible must face justice.

“We do not want revenge. We want justice. We do not want hatred. We want humanity. We do not want war. We want peace,” she said.

Sitlhou urged authorities to take steps to protect civilians, prevent further killings and ensure accountability for crimes against innocent people. She also expressed solidarity with families who had lost loved ones, particularly those affected by the violence in Kamjong district.

She said lasting peace would require justice, compassion and respect for human dignity, adding that no family should have to endure the loss of a loved one because of violence.

Calling for unity across communities, Sitlhou appealed to people to work towards peace and ensure that civilians could live without fear. “Enough is enough! Let the killing stop! Let justice prevail! Let peace return to our land!” she said. She concluded by praying for comfort for bereaved families, recovery for the wounded, protection for civilians and lasting peace in the region.