New Delhi, May 10, 2025, Virthli (NOP): In a poignant gathering at the NCUI Auditorium in New Delhi, the Kuki-Zo Women’s Forum Delhi & NCR officially launched Silent Scars: Weaving Stories of Kuki-Zo Women in the Manipur Conflict. This compelling anthology brings to light the harrowing experiences of Kuki-Zo women during the ongoing ethnic strife in Manipur.
The event was graced by renowned journalist and social activist Patricia Mukhim, editor of *The Shillong Times*, whose presence underscored the significance of documenting women's narratives in conflict zones. Mukhim has been a vocal advocate for gender-sensitive reporting and has highlighted the disproportionate impact of the Manipur violence on women, emphasizing the need for their stories to be heard and acknowledged.
Since the eruption of ethnic violence in May 2023, the Kuki-Zo community has faced severe challenges, including displacement, loss of life, and systemic marginalization. Women, in particular, have borne the brunt of the conflict, with numerous reports of atrocities and human rights violations. In March 2024, the Kuki-Zo Women’s Forum penned an appeal to President Droupadi Murmu, urging for justice and restoration of faith in democratic institutions.
Silent Scars contributes to a growing body of literature aiming to document and analyze the complexities of the Manipur conflict from the Kuki-Zo perspective. This wave of publications seeks to challenge prevailing narratives and ensure that the voices of marginalized communities are represented in the broader discourse.
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The book release serves not only as a platform for storytelling but also as a call to action for policymakers, activists, and citizens to engage with the lived realities of those affected by the conflict. Through Silent Scars, the Kuki-Zo Women’s Forum aims to foster understanding, empathy, and ultimately, a path toward reconciliation and peace in Manipur.
