Ukhrul, June 25: A joint delegation of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) from Kangpokpi district, led by the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), submitted a memorandum addressed to Union Home Minister Amit Shah through the Deputy Commissioner of Kangpokpi, following a public rally held in the town. The memorandum made available to Ukhrul Times expressed deep concern over what they termed as “rampant and seemingly selective arrests” of Kuki-Zo Village Volunteers by national investigating agencies such as the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Also read | Kuki Rights Org Announces Sit-In Protest Across Kuki-Zo Areas Against ‘Arbitrary Arrests’
The memorandum submitted on Wednesday, signed by prominent leaders representing various Kuki-Zo tribal organisations, stated that while they respect the mandate of investigative agencies, the ongoing operations have disproportionately targeted Kuki-Zo community members, particularly those who have volunteered to protect their villages during the ongoing ethnic conflict in Manipur.
“These actions have caused significant anxiety, fear, and mistrust within our community, which continues to suffer from violence, displacement, and loss,” the memorandum noted.
The CSOs warned that such “aggressive and unbalanced actions” pose an existential threat to the Kuki-Zo people and risk derailing trust-building efforts in an already polarised and sensitive environment. They urged the Government of India to adopt a compassionate and just approach that fosters reconciliation rather than deepening divisions.
The memorandum laid out five key demands:
- Immediately halt the rampant and selective arrests of Kuki-Zo Village Volunteers by central agencies until a fair, transparent, and inclusive mechanism is established.
- Ensure that investigations are balanced and impartial, addressing violations by all parties involved in the conflict, not just one ethnic group.
- Initiate confidence-building measures by engaging leaders and communities through a neutral platform.
- Prioritize efforts and dialogue, with full recognition of the historical, ethnic, and territorial context of the conflict.
- Recognize the efforts of the Kuki-Zo Village Volunteers who have been protecting their communities in the face of violence and ensure their safety and dignity are upheld.
The appeal was endorsed by leaders from multiple organisations including CoTU, Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills, KSO Sadar Hills, SAHILCA, Kuki Women Union, and the Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights (KWOHR).
Opinion | Ethnic Conflict in Manipur: Political Fallout Over ‘Any Kuki Tribes’ ST Status
The CSOs called on the central government to act with wisdom and leadership to heal the wounds of the conflict and prevent further escalation.