Churachandpur, June 18, 2025: Amid mounting tensions in Manipur, the Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights (KWOHR) led a large-scale Public Mass Rally in Churachandpur/Lamka today to protest the continued and, as they allege, “arbitrary arrests” of Kuki-Zo individuals by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The peaceful demonstration began at Koite Playground and culminated at Peace Ground, Tuibong, where a detailed memorandum was submitted to the Union Home Minister, Shri Amit Shah.
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| Hundreds of Kuki-Zo women take to the streets in Lamka during a mass rally organised by KWOHR on June 18, 2025 |
Speaking under the slogan “Our Voices Will Not Be Silenced,” KWOHR leaders reiterated their resolve to continue non-violent resistance until justice is served. The organisation appealed to civil society groups, youth, media, students, and village authorities to unite and amplify the Kuki-Zo community’s plea for justice, peace, and constitutional protection.
In the memorandum submitted to the Union Home Minister through the Deputy Commissioner, Churachandpur, the Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights (KWOHR) expressed “deepening concern and anguish” over what it described as state-backed persecution and systemic injustice targeting the Kuki-Zo community.
The memorandum recounts recent arrests on June 6 of Mr. Thangneo Kipgen from Churachandpur and Mr. Kamginthang Gangte from Moreh, terming them “arbitrary” and “unjustified,” lacking transparency or due process. It highlights that despite a previous memorandum submitted on May 31 and widespread peaceful protests, the Centre has failed to respond or halt the pattern of detentions.
The document asserts that these are not isolated incidents but part of a broader pattern of ethnic profiling and criminalisation of Kuki-Zo identity. It accuses the government of ignoring crimes committed by radical Meitei outfits such as Arambai Tenggol and Meitei Leepun, while central agencies continue targeting tribal civilians.
KWOHR further condemns the disregard shown towards women’s voices in the ongoing conflict, calling it “a betrayal of human rights and constitutional values.”
Demands Submitted to the Union Government Include:
1. Immediate release of all arbitrarily detained Kuki-Zo individuals.
2. Independent judicial inquiry into ethnic profiling and misuse of central agencies.
3. Arrest and prosecution of leaders of Arambai Tenggol, Meitei Leepun, and COCOMI under UAPA.
4. Prosecution of former CM N. Biren Singh for alleged complicity in violence and ethnic cleansing efforts.
5. Constitutional reorganisation under Article 3, affirming the Kuki-Zo right to self-governance.
6. Restoration of equitable law enforcement, including tribal officer representation and uniform application of AFSPA.
An Urgent Appeal
In the concluding section of the memorandum, KWOHR stresses that the Kuki-Zo people remain committed to peace and the Constitution of India, but can no longer remain silent in the face of injustice. “Justice is on trial,” the memorandum states, urging the Union Government to act immediately to restore rule of law and preserve India’s democratic and pluralistic ethos.
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“Unchain the Innocent. Stop the Witch-Hunt. For Justice. For Peace. For the Rights of the Kuki-Zo People,” the memorandum concludes. The submission was signed by Kimneihoi Lhungdim, General Secretary of KWOHR.
