Kangpokpi/Lamka: Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) and Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills (KI-SH) on Tuesday issued separate press statements strongly condemning the killing of a Kuki-Zo civilian in Tamenglong district and expressing concern over reports that the deceased’s mortal remains were allegedly denied passage through Makui village while being transported for final rites.
In its statement issued from the KIM Secretariat in Lamka yesterday, Kuki Inpi Manipur condemned the killing of Mr. Haogin Lhouvum, son of Khupkam and a resident of Lasan village in Tamenglong district, who was reportedly shot dead around 1 pm on June 9.
The apex tribal body described the incident as a “cold-blooded murder of an innocent civilian” and alleged that the killing reflected what it termed the continued failure of the state’s security apparatus to protect vulnerable Kuki-Zo villages in the district.
KIM stated that the incident raised serious questions regarding the security arrangements in Kuki-Zo inhabited areas and accused the authorities of maintaining unequal protection standards. It said repeated appeals by Kuki-Zo civil society organisations for adequate security had allegedly gone unaddressed.
The organisation further alleged that violence against Kuki-Zo civilians by certain Tangkhul-led Naga elements continued to deepen mistrust and undermine peaceful coexistence among neighbouring communities. It warned that repeated attacks and what it called administrative indifference could further aggravate tensions in the region.
Calling for accountability, KIM urged the Government of Manipur, district administration and security agencies to ensure equal protection under the law for Kuki villages and prevent further loss of innocent lives.
Meanwhile, Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills also issued a separate press release expressing concern over reports that the mortal remains of the deceased were not allowed to pass through Makui village while being transported for burial.
The organisation termed the reported incident a serious humanitarian concern, stating that respect for the dead and compassion for grieving families should not be compromised irrespective of political or ethnic differences.
KI-SH said the Kuki-Zo community had upheld humanitarian values even during difficult periods of the ongoing ethnic conflict. As an example, it referred to an earlier incident in which the mortal remains of a pastor were allegedly allowed safe passage through Kangpokpi district without disturbance for burial at Daili village.
The body stated that the reported obstruction of Haogin Lhouvum’s mortal remains stood in contrast to such humanitarian principles. It urged all concerned to clarify the circumstances surrounding the incident and ensure that humanitarian considerations are respected at all times.
Stressing the importance of preserving dignity even during conflict situations, KI-SH said the rights of grieving families and respect for the deceased must be protected and should not become casualties of ethnic or political disputes.
