The Gangte Students’ Organisation refused to perform, declaring: “We can’t dance with tears in our eyes” while ethnic wounds remain open.
BY PC Bureau
Sept 5, 2025 — Dissent swelled across Manipur’s hill districts against a proposed Kuki-Zo cultural performance planned for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Churachandpur on September 13. What was billed as a showcase of cultural unity instead drew fury from tribal groups and community voices, who called the idea “insensitive” while alleged crimes from last year’s violence remain unaddressed.
Tribal groups refused to perform
The Gangte Students’ Organisation (GSO), Churachandpur, issued a statement saying its name had appeared in a viral list of performers “without our knowledge,” and announced it would not participate.
“It is unacceptable at this critical point of time,” the GSO said, adding: “The sufferings and hardships faced by the minority Kuki-Zo populace since May 3, 2023, still persist… To put it short, loud and clear: We can’t dance with tears in our eyes.”
The group cited continuing grief over killings, sexual violence, displacement, and the destruction of homes and churches.
Highest respect and standing ovation to the Gangte Students Organization (GSO) for withdrawing from the Cultural Dance Show to welcome the Prime Minister’s (unofficial stopover) visit on September 13th, 2025, stating, ‘We can’t dance with tears in our eyes.’ How can we dance with… pic.twitter.com/8JzGYKIXl4
— The Proud Indian (@DynastyDoungel) September 5, 2025
Social media amplified anger
Opposition spilled onto X (formerly Twitter), where prominent Kuki-Zo accounts denounced the plan.
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@CatherineGangte: “Cultural shows won’t erase our pain. We want justice for our raped sisters, murdered leaders, and burnt churches. Not dance steps.”
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@700sqkmngari: “Imagine asking victims of ethnic cleansing to perform for photo-ops while their wounds are still bleeding. This is cruelty dressed as culture.”
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@DynastyDoungel: “The Centre has been silent on our MLAs killed, on women paraded naked, on hundreds slaughtered. And now it wants us to dance? This is humiliation, not honour.”
The posts gained wide traction, reflecting a mood that performances before the Prime Minister would be a “normalcy” showcase at odds with ground realities.
‘Normalcy’ optics vs. justice
Community leaders said the proposed show risked deepening alienation unless paired with credible steps toward justice and rehabilitation. Local groups have alleged targeted killings, sexual violence, and attacks on religious sites since May 2023, with thousands displaced.
“This is not about celebration; it’s about survival,” a Kuki-Zo elder said, requesting anonymity. “Our people are still displaced, our wounds are fresh, and our cries for justice unanswered.”
As of Friday evening, there was no official response from New Delhi to the objections raised. Activists urged the Centre to prioritise dialogue, investigations, and support for survivors over symbolic displays. With the Prime Minister’s visit days away, the controversy has become a litmus test of sensitivity to the Kuki-Zo community’s ongoing trauma.
READ: Here is All You Want to Know About MHA–Kuki-Zo Agreement
