Joint CSOs Condemn ‘Arbitrary Arrest’, 24-Hour Shutdown and Peaceful Rally in Moreh

Ukhrul, June 7: The joint civil society organisations (CSOs) of Moreh have strongly condemned what they termed as the arbitrary arrest of Mr. Kamginthang Gangte, stating that the arrest was carried out without following proper legal procedures.

The CSOs alleged that Lt. Col Nitin Sharma of the 5 Assam Rifles once again displayed a biased attitude by arresting the accused without adhering to due process, suggesting that the act was motivated by personal interests. The CSOs asserted that such actions threaten the fragile peace in the region and demanded the immediate transfer of Lt. Col Sharma from Moreh to restore normalcy.

“It is disheartening to witness such actions from the Assam Rifles personnel, which disturb the peaceful atmosphere of the town and heighten public tensions,” the statement read.

In protest, the Kuki Chief Association Moreh Block, Hill Tribal Council Moreh, Kuki Women Union & Human Rights Moreh Block, Kuki Students’ Organisation Moreh Block, Moreh Youth Club, and Kuki Khanglai Lawmpi Moreh, on behalf of the public, have announced a total shutdown in Moreh for 24 hours, starting from 12:00 PM on June 6 to 12:00 PM on June 7, 2025. The shutdown will be followed by a peaceful public mass rally beginning at 7:00 AM on June 7, from Gaingam Lentol to the ADC Complex.

The purpose of this peaceful, democratic, and non-violent protest is to express public resentment over the arrest of Kuki-Zo CSO leaders and a Suspension of Operations (SoO) cadre, and to appeal for their safe release following due verification.

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The CSOs emphasised that arbitrary arrests must be avoided to ensure peaceful coexistence between security forces and civilians. They also voiced concern over the lack of action against those responsible for initiating the ongoing ethnic conflict in Manipur.

“The world now knows who instigated the current ethnic crisis in Manipur. The continued inaction of central agencies in arresting real provocateurs like Korounganba Khuman and other Meitei leaders reveals an imbalance in how justice is being delivered between the two warring communities,” the CSOs stated.

They further called on the concerned authorities to follow legal procedures when arresting suspects and urged the immediate release of Mr. Kamginthang Gangte, in accordance with the SoO agreement, by returning him to his designated camp.