Churachandpur, January 12, 2026: The Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF) has announced a peaceful public rally on January 14, 2026, to press for the early settlement of the political demands of the Kuki-Zo people and to reaffirm their non-participation in the Manipur Government.
In a rally notification issued on Monday, the ITLF stated that with President’s Rule in Manipur ending in February 2026, and in view of the grave violence witnessed over the past months - including mass killings, destruction of homes and places of worship, and the displacement of over 40,000 people - the Kuki-Zo people cannot continue under the existing administrative arrangement.
The organisation reiterated that the Kuki-Zo people have sought a Union Territory with Legislature from the Government of India, asserting that participation in the formation of a Manipur Government without a political resolution would be unjustifiable.
According to the notification, the rally will be organised under the banner of the Kuki-Zo Council and will begin at 11:00 a.m., with gathering points at Sielmat Ground and Koite Ground, before culminating at the Peace Ground, where leaders are scheduled to address the public.
The ITLF has appealed to all sections of society - including elders, leaders, students, women, and civil society organisations - to participate in large numbers. Schools and institutions have been requested to remain closed for the day, while shops along the rally route are asked to shut between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Drinking water suppliers have also been urged to assist participants.
