A Kuki-Zo organisation on Wednesday issued an advisory appealing to the residents of Churachandpur district in strife-hit Manipur to not indulge in “overtly conspicuous” celebrations of Christmas and New Year because of the prevailing unrest.

The advisory came on a day a group of former MLAs from the valley urged governor Anusuiya Uikey to start efforts for peace between the warring Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. The conflict has left at least 194 dead and over 67,000 displaced since May 3.

The advisory issued by the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF), a conglomerate of recognised Kuki-Zo tribes in Churachandpur, urged the residents to “stay” alert and be “prepared” for any disturbance, especially during the Christmas and New Year.

“All communities and churches to observe muted Christmas and New Year celebrations by observing just the normal Church service and not to organise feasts and fellowship events.... Limit outdoor activities by finishing games and sports events like Futsal by 8pm, and close shops and outdoor food stalls around the same time,” the ITLF said.

The ITLF advisory has been issued for the second time since November 8 because frontline Kuki-Zo villages are under “constant threat” posed by the Meitei community.

Churachandpur is a Kuki-Zo majority district like Kangpokpi, Tengnoupal and Pherzawl. The Kuki-Zo people are mostly Christians and live mainly in the hill districts of Manipur.

The Meiteis, mostly Hindus, predominantly live in the valley districts.