KANGPOKPI: As part of a nationwide democratic rally called by the Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), thousands of Kuki-Zo people on Friday took to the streets of Kangpokpi district demanding justice for the killing of three Kuki-Zo church leaders, the immediate release of 14 Kuki-Zo villagers allegedly held hostage in Senapati district, protection of the Kuki-Zo people, and an expedited political solution to the protracted Manipur crisis.
The district headquarters witnessed an overwhelming turnout as an estimated 5,000 people, including women, youth, elders, church leaders, civil society representatives and community members, joined the peaceful procession. The rally commenced from Brig. M. Thomas Ground and proceeded along NH-2 via IT Road before culminating at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office.
Demonstrators carried placards and raised slogans including “Justice for Our Church Leaders,” “Release the Hostages,” “Selective Justice is Injustice,” and “Protect the Kuki-Zo People,” expressing growing concerns over what they described as the government’s failure to deliver justice and ensure equal protection under the law.
Addressing the gathering, Kuki Inpi Manipur President Ch. Ajang Khongsai, family members of the abducted villagers, and representatives of Taphou Village Authority called upon the Government of India to intervene urgently and address the community’s grievances.
A significant feature of the nationwide rally was the participation of church leaders clad in clerical robes, who joined the demonstration in solidarity and strongly condemned the killing of the three church leaders.
Among the speakers, Dr. S. Chongloi, Secretary of the Kuki-Zo Christian Forum, denounced the murders as an attack on peace and humanity. He emphasized that pastors and religious leaders dedicate their lives to promoting harmony and serving society.
“The blood of innocent peacemakers must not be allowed to be shed in vain,” he said, urging authorities to identify, arrest and prosecute those responsible for the killings.
Calling for peaceful coexistence among all communities, Dr. Chongloi reiterated the community’s commitment to peace while stressing the need for justice and accountability.
“We want peace. We want all people to live together in peace and dignity. We want justice,” he stated.
Following the rally, a delegation of Kuki Inpi Manipur leaders and representatives of various civil society organisations submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi through Deputy Commissioner Mahesh Chaudhari.
In the memorandum, KIM alleged that the Kuki-Zo people have faced more than three years of violence, displacement, intimidation, destruction of homes and churches, and repeated attacks on civilians, while justice has remained elusive despite numerous appeals.
The organisation strongly condemned the killing of three Thadou-Kuki church leaders on May 13, describing it as a barbaric ambush and a direct assault on humanity, religious freedom and peaceful coexistence. KIM expressed concern that no arrests have been made despite widespread condemnation of the incident.
The memorandum demanded immediate identification and arrest of all perpetrators, a time-bound investigation by central agencies, legal action against those who facilitated the attack, and adequate compensation and rehabilitation for the bereaved families.
KIM also voiced serious concern over the continued captivity of 14 Kuki-Zo villagers allegedly held hostage in Senapati district. Describing the incident as a grave breakdown of law and order, the organisation urged the Government of India and central security agencies to secure their immediate and unconditional release.
According to the memorandum, the prolonged failure to rescue the hostages has heightened fear and insecurity among the Kuki-Zo population and emboldened those responsible.
The organisation further alleged a pattern of selective justice, pointing out that while four Kuki-Zo individuals were promptly arrested in connection with the disappearance of six Naga persons, similar action had not been taken regarding the killing of the church leaders or the hostage crisis.
Terming the situation a serious challenge to public confidence in the justice system, KIM urged the Centre to ensure security in Kuki-Zo inhabited areas, dismantle armed groups involved in ethnic violence, guarantee uninterrupted movement of goods and essential commodities along NH-2 and NH-37, and uphold constitutional rights without discrimination.
The memorandum also renewed the community’s demand for a political solution, arguing that the ongoing conflict has underscored the need to address the security concerns, aspirations and political rights of the Kuki-Zo people.
KIM appealed to the Government of India to intensify dialogue with Suspension of Operations (SoO) groups representing the Kuki-Zo community and work toward what it described as an honourable and lasting political settlement that guarantees security, dignity and peaceful coexistence.
“The Kuki-Zo people are not seeking favour or sympathy. We seek justice, security, equal protection under the Constitution, and the fundamental right to live with dignity and safety,” the memorandum stated.
Warning that continued delays could further aggravate tensions and alienation, KIM urged the Prime Minister to act decisively to deliver justice, secure the release of the hostages, hold perpetrators accountable regardless of affiliation, and expedite a political solution to restore lasting peace.
The nationwide rally concluded peacefully, with participants reaffirming their commitment to pursuing justice through democratic and constitutional means while maintaining that genuine peace and reconciliation can only be achieved through accountability and a meaningful political resolution.
