Mass Burial of 87 Kuki-Zo People Killed During Ethnic Violence in Manipur

Imphal: Mass burial of 87 Kuki-Zo people killed in the ongoing Manipur conflict was conducted in Churachandpur on Wednesday. This mass burial happened after months of waiting amid heavy security, and prohibitory orders.

The youngest victim to be buried was a one-month-old and the oldest was an 87-year-old. Both were killed in the first wave of violence in May. All the 87 deceased were buried at the Kuki-Zo Martyrs Cemetery at Sehken near Churachandpur town.

Thousands gathered to pay tributes to these 87 victims. A condolence meeting was held at the Peace Ground where speakers pledged to press for the demand for a separate administration for the Kuki-Zo people.

The conflict between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo people which erupted on May 3 has till date left at least 194 dead and over 67,000 displaced.

Newly elected Mizoram chief minister Lalduhoma posted his condolence on X late on Wednesday evening, referring to the deceased as “martyrs”. “Finally, the solemn ceremony for our 87 brothers and sisters took place today at Sehken village, Churachandpur district. May the souls of our Kuki-Zo martyrs rest in peace. #Remembrance #ManipurViolence #Martyrs.”