Thousands joined protests in Kangpokpi and Churachandpur demanding release of detained Kuki villagers and justice for three pastors killed in Manipur violence.
Kangpokpi/Churachandpur, May 18: Thousands of people participated in protest demonstrations across Kuki-Zo inhabited areas of Manipur on Saturday as outrage continued over the killing of three Kuki-Zo church leaders and the detention of Kuki villagers following recent violence in the state.
One of the largest demonstrations was held at Motbung in Kangpokpi district under the aegis of the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), in line with a statewide agitation call given by Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM). The protest coincided with the first day of an extended 48-hour total shutdown imposed in Kuki-Zo areas.
Protesters marched from Motbung Bazar to Charhajare and back, carrying placards and raising slogans demanding the immediate and unconditional release of detained Kuki-Zo civilians. Demonstrators also urged the Government of India to act on a charter of demands submitted by Kuki civil society organisations.
The protestors alleged that the Kuki-Zo community was facing targeted violence and constitutional neglect. Despite the anger expressed during the rally, organisers maintained that the movement would continue through democratic and constitutional means.
Several Kuki-Zo leaders addressed the gathering, including Kuki Inpi Manipur president Ch. Ajang Khongsai, Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills president Thangminlen Kipgen, and CoTU chairman Lunthang Haokip.
Speakers described the continued detention of civilians as unlawful and called for urgent intervention from the Centre and security agencies.
Adding to the emotional atmosphere at the protest, two Kuki-Zo youths who reportedly survived a violent incident in Senapati shared their experiences before the gathering, drawing strong reactions from the crowd.
The charter of demands submitted to the Centre sought a high-level National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe into the recent killings and ambushes, prosecution of those responsible, enhanced security arrangements for vulnerable villages, and the creation of special security zones in conflict-prone areas.
The memorandum also called for expedited political dialogue with Suspension of Operations (SoO) groups and recognition of what Kuki organisations described as repeated persecution of the Kuki-Zo community.
Speaking to the media, KIM Information Secretary Janghaolun Haokip said the demonstrations in Kangpokpi, Churachandpur and other Kuki-Zo areas were a collective response to the suffering faced by families of those detained or killed.
He appealed to the Government of India and security agencies to ensure the immediate release of all detainees and warned that the community’s continued restraint should not be viewed as weakness.
Haokip also responded to recent claims made by Liangmei Naga women regarding ownership of land acquired for the Leimakhong Army area. He termed the claims misleading and stated that, according to Kuki leaders and village records, most of the land belonged to Khunkho-Kuki village, while portions also came from Khunkho-Naga and Makhan villages.
Meanwhile, another major rally was organised in Churachandpur by the Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights (KWOHR), demanding justice for three pastors killed in the May 13 ambush on the Imphal bypass road between Churachandpur and Kangpokpi.
The rally began from Koite playground and concluded at the Wall of Remembrance. Before the procession started, church leaders and pastors led a mass prayer attended by a large gathering.
Protesters raised slogans demanding punishment for those responsible for the killings and called for the protection of human rights in Kuki-Zo areas. Some slogans also demanded separate administration for the Kuki-Zo people.
Banners carried during the rally referred to the killing of the three pastors and alleged involvement of armed groups including NSCN-IM and ZUF-Kamson.
KWOHR later submitted a memorandum to the Union Home Minister through the Deputy Commissioner of Churachandpur. The organisation demanded re-imposition of President’s Rule in Manipur, strengthening of security deployment in Kuki-Zo areas, a high-level investigation into the killings, and recognition of village guards formed for local protection.
The organisation also demanded the safe release of villagers reportedly detained from Taphou Kuki Village on May 13. While KWOHR stated that 14 villagers were detained, the Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO) Churachandpur claimed the number was 15.
Further protest programmes are expected on Sunday as the shutdown continues in several Kuki-Zo dominated areas.
