Tuiṭhaphai, May 31, 2025, Virthli (ONP): Amidst the ongoing ethnic crisis gripping Manipur, the Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights (KWOHR) today escalated its advocacy, submitting a comprehensive memorandum to Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah. The group's urgent demands include an immediate cessation of what it terms "arbitrary arrests" of Kuki-Zo individuals and swift justice for victims of the protracted violence.
The memorandum follows a series of coordinated "No Justice in Fear" sit-in protests held across Kuki-Zo areas, underscoring deep-seated concerns over alleged state-sponsored persecution and ethnically-targeted violence against their community.
Grave Allegations and Concerns Raised
KWOHR has leveled serious accusations against central agencies, specifically the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), alleging they are arresting Kuki-Zo individuals without credible evidence. Conversely, the organization highlights what it calls the "impunity" enjoyed by known radical Meitei leaders allegedly involved in mass violence.
A prominent example cited is Korounganba Khuman, commander of the Arambai Tenggol, whom KWOHR identifies as a leading perpetrator in attacks on tribal areas. Despite multiple cases reportedly filed against him, Khuman remains at large.
The memorandum further raises concerns about alleged bias within police jurisdictions, asserting that tribal villages have been placed under Meitei-dominated control. This, KWOHR contends, undermines the constitutional protections enshrined in the Hill Areas District Council Act, 1971.
Furthermore, the organization has unequivocally condemned what it describes as widespread gender-based atrocities against Kuki-Zo women, including sexual violence, lynching, and public humiliation, stressing that these heinous acts remain unpunished to date.
Key Demands for Justice and Resolution
The KWOHR memorandum outlines several critical demands:
Immediate halt to arbitrary arrests: Calls for an end to baseless detentions and a judicial review of all pending cases involving Kuki-Zo individuals.
Arrest and prosecution of extremist leaders: Demands the swift arrest and prosecution of individuals like Korounganba Khuman under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
Expedited legal action against former CM: Seeks fast-tracking of legal proceedings against former Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh for his alleged role in instigating the violence.
Constitutional reorganization under Article 3: Advocates for Kuki-Zo self-administration in line with constitutional provisions, implying a separate administrative arrangement.
AFSPA reform or repeal and arms recovery: Demands either uniform enforcement or total repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), along with the immediate recovery of over 6,000 looted arms.
A Stern Warning and Concluding Appeal
Issuing a stern warning, KWOHR stated that if their appeals continue to be ignored, they would enforce community oversight of central agencies like the NIA and CBI in tribal areas. The organization also threatened an escalation of protests.
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"Our struggle is not for separation, but for survival," KWOHR president Kimneihoi Lhungdim emphasized in the memorandum, directly appealing to the Prime Minister for decisive intervention. "India’s strength lies in its pluralism, not in appeasement of majoritarian violence."
The memorandum concludes with a powerful, resonant call to action: "Unchain the Innocent. Stop the Witch-Hunt. For Justice, For Peace, For Kuki-Zo Rights."
