New Delhi: The Kuki Students’ Organisation Delhi & NCR (KSOD & NCR) has submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi through the Prime Minister’s Office, seeking urgent intervention over what it described as the continued “targeted persecution, killings, displacement, and insecurity” faced by the Kuki-Zo people in Manipur.
In the memorandum, the student body expressed serious concern over the killing of three Kuki-Zo church pastors on May 13, the reported abduction of 14 Kuki-Zo men, recurring attacks on Kuki villages, and the deteriorating law-and-order situation in the hill districts of the state.
Addressing the Prime Minister, KSOD & NCR stated that the killing of Rev. Dr. Vumthang Sithlou, Rev. Kaigoulun Lhouvum, and Rev. Paogoulun Sithlou — whom it described as unarmed religious and humanitarian leaders — had deeply affected the sentiments of the Kuki-Zo community and represented a serious violation of their constitutional rights, including the right to life, dignity, and religious freedom.
The organisation alleged that Tangkhul-led NSCN-IM militants were responsible for the killings, injuries sustained by several others, and the abduction of 14 Kuki-Zo civilians. According to the memorandum, the incident forms part of a broader pattern of violence, intimidation, extortion, and ethnic targeting dating back to the early 1990s.
The student body further referred to the destruction and burning of villages such as Haijang, Gampal, K. Songlung, Litan, Mullam, and Lanchah, alleging that the incidents reflect worsening insecurity and systematic targeting of Kuki-Zo civilians across the hill districts.
KSOD & NCR also raised concerns regarding alleged illegal cross-border movement and the existence of timber and drug trade hubs in Namlee, Wanglee, and Choro areas of Ukhrul and Kamjong districts, claiming that such centres contribute to unlawful and militant-linked activities in the region.
Additionally, the organisation accused NSCN-IM of allegedly deploying proxy groups, including ZUF Kamson, to create instability and division among Zeliangrong communities, warning that such developments could threaten communal harmony across the Northeast.
Referring to findings reportedly linked to the National Investigation Agency, the memorandum also cited the alleged involvement of NSCN-IM cadres in the Punjab National Bank looting case in Ukhrul involving around ₹20 crore, claiming the incident reflects an alarming nexus between insurgency and organised criminal activity.
The student body further accused state law enforcement agencies of administrative failure and alleged that authorities had repeatedly failed to ensure the safety and security of the Kuki-Zo community, including during the recent abduction of 14 Kuki hostages in Senapati district.
In its memorandum, KSOD & NCR demanded the immediate abrogation of the ceasefire agreement with Tangkhul-led NSCN-IM and called for the safe release and recovery of the 14 abducted Kuki-Zo men. The organisation also urged the Union Government to launch intensive combing operations in Ukhrul and Kamjong districts to dismantle alleged militant camps and curb illegal cross-border activities.
The student body further sought immediate action against alleged illegal timber and drug trade centres and demanded an inquiry by the Central Bureau of Investigation or the NIA into the killing of the three Kuki-Zo pastors. It also called for stringent legal action against individuals or groups allegedly obstructing armed forces operations and sought a ban on organisations accused of abductions and communal incitement.
KSOD & NCR additionally appealed for the constitution of a high-level central team to assess villages allegedly destroyed or occupied since 1992 and restore the land rights of affected Kuki-Zo villagers. The organisation also demanded rehabilitation packages, compensation, and long-term security guarantees for victims of violence and displacement.
Reiterating its political demand, the student body urged the Centre to immediately implement Separate Administration or a Union Territory with Legislature for the Kuki-Zo people. It also sought an investigation into the alleged role of Senapati Police in connection with the reported abduction of the 14 hostages.
The memorandum stated that continued neglect of what it termed the “genuine grievances and democratic demands” of the Kuki-Zo people could have political consequences in the 2027 Manipur Assembly elections.
“The Kuki-Zo people have always remained loyal to the Union of India and contributed immensely towards national integrity and security. However, continued violence, displacement, and administrative failure have eroded the community’s confidence under the present arrangement in Manipur,” the memorandum stated.
