Imphal, October 12: Amid the Committee on Tribal Unity’s (CoTU) 24-hour total shutdown across Kangpokpi district, Kuki-Zo women on Sunday paid heartfelt tribute to Sundip Rai, a Gorkha farmer allegedly killed in an ambush by NSCN-IM cadres while travelling to his farmland at Chepu Yaolen on October 10.
The condolence programme was held at Gamgiphai, where Kuki-Zo women under the aegis of CoTU gathered to express solidarity with the bereaved family and condemn the killing of the farmer, whose death has added to the mounting grief and insecurity in the region.
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 their last respects.
The women held banners expressing condolences over his tragic death and offered prayers for justice and strength for the bereaved family, relatives and loved ones.
As a mark of solidarity, respect and compassion, the committee draped a traditional shawl over the coffin, honouring the deceased and standing in support of his grieving family.
A Gorkha community leader expressed profound gratitude to the Kuki-Zo community and CoTU for their condolence, solidarity and support during the difficult time.
Following the programme, the convoy carrying Rai’s body proceeded towards Senapati district.
Speaking on the sidelines of the condolence service, Boishi Sitlhou, representing the Kuki-Zo women, delivered an emotional appeal for an end to violence, justice for victims and lasting peace in the region.
“Today, we stand here with broken hearts, wounded souls, and tears that words can no longer express.
“We gather not to celebrate, not to provoke, and not to spread hatred, but to mourn the precious lives lost in Chassad, Kamjong district.
“How many more lives must be lost before peace prevails?
“How many more mothers must bury their children? How many more wives must become widows? How many more children must wake up to the heartbreaking reality that their fathers or mothers will never return home? How many more unborn children must lose their chance to see the light of this world because violence has robbed them of their future before it even begins?” she asked.
Boishi said that since May 13, the people had endured immense suffering, with homes burned, families scattered and villages struggling without food, medicine and other basic necessities.
“Is it a crime to want to live in peace? Is it a crime for our children to dream of a tomorrow without fear?
“No. It is not,” she said.
Describing the shutdown as a solemn message against continued violence, Boishi said the people were exhausted by bloodshed, repeated funerals and the suffering of innocent civilians.
“We are tired of bloodshed. We are tired of burying our loved ones. We are tired of innocent people suffering,” she said.
Condemning the killings of innocent civilians allegedly perpetrated by NSCN-IM, she called for accountability for all those responsible, asserting that no innocent life should be taken with impunity and no bereaved family should be denied justice.
“We do not want another mother to weep over the loss of her child—not in our community, nor in any other community. We do not want another child to become an orphan. We do not want another village reduced to ashes.
“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.
However, Sitlhou stressed that lasting peace could not be built on fear or sustained where innocent lives remained under threat.
“Peace cannot flourish without justice, compassion, accountability, and respect for human dignity,” she said.
Addressing families who have lost loved ones, particularly those grieving in Kamjong district, she said their suffering would not be forgotten and their demand for justice deserved to be heard.
“Your tears have not gone unnoticed. Your pain will not be forgotten. Your loss matters, and your cry for justice deserves to be heard,” she said.
Appealing to those in positions of authority, Sitlhou urged them to protect civilians, stop the killings and ensure accountability.
“Protect the innocent. Stop the killings. Ensure accountability. Let humanity prevail,” she said.
Calling for unity beyond anger and grief, she urged people to stand together in pursuit of justice and peace, saying compassion must outweigh anger, hope must remain stronger than fear and our desire for peace louder than the roar of violence.
“Let the day come when this land hears no more gunshots, but the laughter of children. Let our villages rise again—not from the ashes of hatred, but through the strength of hope, unity, and human dignity,” she said.
Issuing a final appeal, Sitlhou declared: “Enough is enough! Let the killing stop! Let justice prevail! Let peace return to our land!”
She concluded by praying for divine comfort for grieving families, healing for the wounded, protection for innocent civilians and lasting peace for the people.