UKHRUL: The Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO) Delhi & NCR on Saturday renewed its demand for justice, security guarantees and a lasting political settlement for the Kuki-Zo people, alleging continued persecution, displacement and denial of constitutional rights in Manipur.
Addressing a press conference in Delhi in solidarity with a nationwide rally organised by Kuki Inpi Manipur on May 30, KSO Delhi & NCR said the Kuki-Zo community continues to face insecurity and uncertainty years after ethnic violence erupted in the state.
The organisation alleged that members of the community have been subjected to attacks, forced displacement, destruction of homes and places of worship, intimidation and inadequate access to justice. It said the absence of accountability and effective security measures has deepened fear and mistrust among affected populations.
A key concern raised by the student body was the killing of three Thadou-Kuki church leaders on May 13. The organisation described the incident as a serious attack on peace and religious freedom and criticised the lack of arrests in the case despite public demands for action.
KSO Delhi & NCR called on the Government of India to identify and apprehend those responsible, conduct a time-bound investigation through central agencies, initiate legal proceedings against all individuals and groups involved, and extend support and compensation to the victims’ families.
The organisation also demanded the immediate and unconditional release of 14 Kuki-Zo individuals allegedly being held in Senapati district. Describing the incident as a violation of human rights and a failure of law enforcement, it urged authorities to ensure their safe return and prosecute those responsible for the alleged abduction and detention.
Highlighting the wider impact of the conflict, KSO Delhi & NCR claimed that thousands of people have been displaced, hundreds of villages destroyed and numerous churches and institutions damaged since violence broke out in Manipur. It further alleged that cases involving Kuki-Zo victims have not received adequate attention from authorities.
The organisation reiterated its demand for a separate administration for the Kuki-Zo people and called for impartial investigations into recent incidents of violence. It argued that the community has experienced decades of displacement, violence and constitutional marginalisation.
KSO Delhi & NCR also sought implementation of Article 371C and restoration of the constitutional role of the Hill Areas Committee. The organisation alleged that administrative authority over several hill villages had been transferred to valley-based institutions in violation of constitutional safeguards. According to the group, hundreds of hill villages have been brought under valley-based revenue and policing jurisdictions.
The organisation further renewed its demand for a formal inquiry into the 1992–93 violence involving the NSCN-IM, alleging that more than 1,000 Kuki civilians were killed and over 360 villages destroyed during the period. It called for rehabilitation measures and justice for affected families.
Referring to the ongoing ethnic conflict that began in May 2023, KSO representatives alleged widespread destruction of property and places of worship, claiming that thousands of homes and more than 200 churches had been damaged or destroyed while over 41,000 people were displaced.
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The group also expressed concern over reported incidents of violence in parts of Ukhrul and Kamjong districts this year, including attacks on villages, killings and fresh displacement.
Calling for a long-term political resolution, KSO Delhi & NCR urged the Centre to expedite dialogue with Suspension of Operations (SoO) groups representing the Kuki-Zo people. It said a constitutional and durable political arrangement was necessary to ensure the safety, dignity and aspirations of the community.
“The Kuki-Zo people are not seeking sympathy or special favour, but justice, constitutional protection, security and the right to live with dignity and peace,” the organisation said.