Tuiṭhaphai, May 20, 2025, Virthli(ONP): The Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), the apex body representing the Kuki tribes, has issued a strong condemnation of the arbitrary arrest of Thangmilien Mate, spokesperson of Kuki Inpi Tengnoupal, a federating unit under KIM. In a press release issued today, KIM described the arrest as a violation of constitutional rights and a reflection of the ongoing oppression of the Kuki-Zo people.
According to the statement, Mate has no affiliation with any unlawful or extra-constitutional body and is widely known for his dedication to democratic principles, peace-building, and advocacy for the Kuki-Zo community’s legitimate concerns. KIM labeled the arrest not only unjust and without legal basis, but also a politically motivated act of persecution aimed at silencing a representative voice of the Kuki-Zo people.
“This arrest is part of a larger pattern of systemic oppression and state-sponsored harassment,” the statement read, blaming the majority-led Manipur Government for turning a blind eye to atrocities and unconstitutional actions by radical groups in the Imphal valley. It accused the state of failing to uphold justice, rule of law, and equal protection for all, and of silencing minority voices that speak out against injustice and impunity.
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The press release further demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Mate, warning that continued crackdowns on Kuki-Zo leadership pose a serious threat to democratic discourse and are a gross violation of fundamental rights. KIM called upon the Government of India to intervene and uphold constitutional values, especially for communities affected by what they described as ethnic majoritarianism and political bias.
The statement was signed by Janghaolun Haokip, Secretary of Information and Publicity, Kuki Inpi Manipur.
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