Kuki Community Demands Justice Amid Ongoing Tensions in Manipur

Mass Rally in Churachandpur for Justice

Imphal, May 16: In response to the ongoing unrest in the hill districts of Manipur, the Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights (KWOHR) held a significant rally in Churachandpur on Saturday, advocating for justice for the victims of the ambush that occurred on May 13 in Kangpokpi.

The rally commenced at Koite Ground and made its way to the Wall of Remembrance Peace Ground.

During the event, participants chanted slogans calling for the protection of human rights, an end to the violence against the Kuki-Zo community, and appropriate punishment for those involved in the ambush on the Imphal bypass road connecting Churachandpur and Kangpokpi.

Protesters also voiced their demands for a separate administration for the Kuki-Zo community and urged the NSCN-IM to cease hostilities.

KWOHR president Ngaineikim addressed the media during the protest, stating that the rally was a response to the 'brutal killing' of three pastors during the ambush on the route between Saparmeina and Kotlen.

“We seek justice for the three victims and urge the Union Home Minister to launch an immediate investigation into this incident,” she emphasized.

The organization submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner of Churachandpur, requesting the reinstatement of President’s Rule in the state, increased security in Kuki-Zo areas, a thorough investigation into the killings, and prompt action against the ZUF-Kamson and NSCN-IM.

Additionally, they called for the safe return of villagers reportedly abducted from Taphou Kuki village on May 13.

The mass rally heading from Koite to Wall of Remembrance at Tuibong in Manipur (Photo: AT)

Meanwhile, there remains uncertainty regarding the number of individuals still missing or allegedly held captive due to the violence, with varying reports from different sources.

While earlier official reports indicated that 38 individuals were missing, the state government has yet to confirm the exact number.

KWOHR claims that 14 villagers are still detained, while the Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO) from Churachandpur previously reported that 15 villagers from the same area are unaccounted for, suggesting that the actual number of missing or detained individuals may be higher than initially thought.

This protest follows the tragic ambush that resulted in the deaths of three leaders from the Thadou Baptist Association—Reverend Visehlow, Pastor Pawlolin, and Pastor Kalgolun—who were attacked near Jouzangtek along the Imphal bypass road while traveling from Kangpokpi to Churachandpur.

In the aftermath of the ambush, tensions escalated as several villagers from Taphou Kuki village in Senapati district were reportedly taken captive during retaliatory violence.

Earlier, 31 captives were released following negotiations facilitated by civil society groups and community leaders. However, many others remain unaccounted for, heightening fear and uncertainty in the region.

Here is a list of 14 individuals reported missing by Kuki Inpi Manipur amid the ongoing hostage crisis in Senapati:

• From Taphou: Kaimang Kuki (48), Lunsei Kuki (48), Hengunsei Kuki (16), Luntinlal Kuki (30), Paotinkai Kuki (50), Thangminlen Kuki (35), Thanglenmang Kuki (30), Tonggoulen Kuki (17), Paogouthang Kuki (35), Thangtinlen Kuki (35), Sehminhao Kuki (25), Sehginlun Kuki (28), and Lamgoulen Kuki (30)
• From Hengbung: Haominlun Kuki (30)