Kuki-Zo tribal residents of the Manipuri village of Kangpokpi have held a mass prayer for peace amidst the raging ethnic violence in the Himalayan state. The protesters were led by the womenfolk of the area, and a human chain ranging approximately 40 kilometres was formed along National Highway 2.The protest was organised by the prayer body Kuki Nampi Taona, and inaugurated by Rev. S.T. Onmang Haokip. The protesters stood in formation, despite a constant and heavy downpour, and chanted verses from the Bible.Kuki-Zo residents in Manipur chanted Bible verses and prayed for peace amidst fresh outbreaks of violence. @Zoukim27/TwitterThis mass prayer comes against the backdrop of fresh spates of violence in Manipur, in which the majority Meitei tribes have clashed with the minority Kuki-Naga residents. The latest clash happened on Sunday in Chingmang village, where gunfire exchanges resulted in an army personnel being injured.The goal of the prayer, according to KNT member Tracy Kipgen, was to express solidarity with the victims of all sides and pray for justice and peace. More than 100 people have lost their lives to ethnic violence, which erupted on 3rd May.This is how Kuki-Zo christians are baring their hearts to God and praying with humbled hearts in the streets of Kangpokpi! Crying to God to heal the land and to bring peace in Manipur! Lord, hear our cries 🙏🙏🙏🙏❤️Separate administration – The Only Solution for Permanent… pic.twitter.com/fJtWM6Yqt6— Kim Haokip (@haokipkim128) June 19, 2023Manipur protesters urge PM Modi to break silenceThe protesters have also urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to break his silence regarding the ongoing violence in the state. The PM avoided the topic on his latest Mann Ki Baat episode, which led to protests from several Manipuri residents, who smashed their radio sets in indignation.There have been growing calls for Presidents rule to be implemented in the state, and several Kuki ministers from the ruling BJP have called for “separate administration” for the Kuki-Zo residents of the state.
