Manipur Congress approached the NHRC over alleged human rights violations linked to abductions, highway blockades and shortages of essentials in the state.
Imphal, May 27: A delegation of the Manipur Congress on Tuesday submitted an urgent complaint before the National Human Rights Commission alleging continuing human rights violations in the state arising out of recent abductions, the ongoing economic blockade on national highways and shortages of essential commodities.
The delegation, led by Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader Keisham Meghachandra Singh, also met NHRC chairperson Justice V. Ramasubramanian in New Delhi and apprised him of the issues raised in the complaint.
According to the Congress delegation, the complaint was officially received and registered by the Commission. The delegation included AICC member and advocate N Bupenda Meitei, senior Congress leader Wahidur Rahman, OBC chairperson Sakir Ahmed, SC chairperson A Oken Singh, labour chairperson Toijam Lokendro Singh, woman Congress leader Sanjita Lisham and Youth Congress leader L Piyari Devi.
In the complaint submitted to the Commission, Meghachandra alleged that recent incidents in Manipur had resulted in continuing violations of fundamental rights guaranteed under Articles 19 and 21 of the Constitution, including the right to freedom of movement and the right to life. A major part of the complaint focused on the reported abduction and illegal captivity of six Naga men and 14 Kuki civilians since May 13, 2026.
According to the complaint, the six Naga men were among 18 Naga civilians allegedly abducted from Leilon Vaiphei village in Kangpokpi district on May 13. It stated that women and children travelling with them were later released, but the whereabouts of the six men remained unknown.
The complaint identified the six Naga men as Rev. Dr. Manu Thiumai, Phenrilung Chawang, Pastor Kenpibou, Phenroungwi Thiumai, Dilip Thiumai and Kaliwangbou Abonmai. The Congress leader cited statements issued by the United Naga Council and the All Naga Students' Association, Manipur, along with media reports, to support the claims.
The complaint also referred to 14 Kuki-Zo civilians allegedly being held in illegal captivity since May 13. According to the document, 13 of them were from Taphou Kuki village while one was from Hengbung village. The names listed in the complaint included Kaimang Kuki, Haominlun Kuki, Lunsei Kuki, Hengunsei Kuki, Luntinlal Kuki, Paotinkai Kuki, Thangminlen Kuki, Thanglenmang Kuki, Tonggoulen Kuki, Paogouthang Kuki, Thangtinlen Kuki, Sehminhao Kuki, Sehginlun Kuki and Lamgoulen Kuki.
The complaint alleged that the state government and security agencies had not made public detailed information regarding their whereabouts. It further claimed that the incidents had led to “unparalleled violations of human rights” in Manipur.
Another key issue raised before the NHRC was the ongoing economic blockade on national highways in the state since May 13. The Congress delegation alleged that the blockade had severely affected the movement of goods and essential commodities into Manipur, aggravating hardships already being faced by the people since the outbreak of ethnic violence in May 2023.
According to the complaint, the blockade had affected all districts of the state and caused “unbearable agony and pain” to residents. The Congress delegation also highlighted the shortage of LPG cooking gas, medicines and essential commodities, alleging that the continuing blockade had disrupted supply chains across the state.
The complaint stated that the non-availability of essential items had further worsened the humanitarian situation in Manipur and amounted to a violation of the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution. The complaint named Yumnam Khemchand Singh, the Chief Secretary of Manipur and the Director General of Police as public authorities against whom the complaint was being raised.
In its prayers before the Commission, the Congress sought directions to the Manipur government and police authorities to submit detailed reports regarding the whereabouts of the abducted persons within 24 hours of communication from the NHRC. The delegation also requested the Commission to direct the Chief Secretary to ensure the safe release of all abducted persons and asked the Director General of Police to initiate swift action against those allegedly involved in the abductions, including registration of FIRs and arrests.
Further, the complaint sought Action Taken Reports on the hostage incidents, the economic blockade and the shortage of essential commodities and medicines. The Congress delegation additionally urged the NHRC to direct the police authorities to provide details of arrests and FIRs registered in connection with the incidents.
The complaint stated that no similar petition had been filed before any court or State Human Rights Commission and clarified that the matter did not involve allegations against members of the armed forces or paramilitary forces.
The submission to the NHRC comes amid continuing tensions in Manipur and renewed concerns over civilian safety, supply disruptions and the humanitarian impact of the ongoing crisis in the state.
