Churachandpur, June 17, 2025: The Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights (KWOHR) has announced a Public Mass Rally to be held on June 18, 2025, in Lamka (Churachandpur), Manipur, in continued protest against what it terms the arbitrary arrests of Kuki-Zo individuals by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
The rally follows a resolution made during a joint civil society meeting convened by Kuki Inpi Churachandpur on June 11, which included various Kuki CSOs expressing alarm over continued targeted actions against civilians. According to KWOHR, despite submitting a memorandum to the Union Home Minister during a mass sit-in on May 31, the arrests have persisted without any response from the Centre.
As a show of solidarity, the Kuki Students' Organisation (KSO), Churachandpur District, has declared a Total Shutdown in the town from 5:00 AM to 3:00 PM on June 18. The shutdown aims to support the rally and highlight the widespread concern over the alleged injustices. All educational institutions, offices, and vehicular movement will be suspended during the period, with exceptions for emergencies.
The rally is scheduled to begin at 10:30 AM from Koite Playground and will culminate at Peace Ground, Tuibong, where a memorandum will be submitted to the Union Home Minister.
In its statement titled “Our Voices Will Not Be Silenced,” KWOHR reaffirmed its commitment to civil resistance, saying:
“We will continue to protest, continue to march, and continue to speak out - until our voices are heard and our rightful demands are met.”
The organisers have appealed to all sections of society - including media, youth, students, civil bodies, and village leaders - to participate in the peaceful demonstration and stand in solidarity with the Kuki-Zo community.
Justice for Kuki-Zo people is not negotiable, KWOHR reiterated.
