UKHRUL: The Kuki Lawyers’ Association has issued a strong condemnation of the alleged acts of arson, abduction and grave human rights violations reported on January 26, at K. Songlung village in Kangpokpi district, Manipur. The incident is allegedly attributed to armed cadres of the Zeliangrong United Front–Kamson faction (ZUF-K).
According to the Association, the incident involved the torching of civilian homes and farm structures, abduction and illegal detention of villagers, and acts of intimidation and cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment. The victims reportedly included elderly persons, persons with disabilities and members of the legal fraternity.
Of particular concern is the alleged abduction and unlawful detention of Advocate Kaiminlen Haokip, a member of the Bar Council of Manipur and the Kuki Lawyers’ Association. It is alleged that he was tied, blindfolded and held under armed threat, acts which the Association says amount to serious criminal offences and constitute a direct attack on the independence and safety of officers of the court.
The Association has also expressed shock over allegations of extreme cruelty against elderly villagers. It is claimed that a 106-year-old bedridden man was forcibly dragged from his bed, tied and made to witness the burning of his home, while a visually impaired elderly person was allegedly subjected to similar treatment. If proven, the Association stated, these acts would represent gross violations of human dignity and civilized norms.
The alleged destruction of homes, plantations, farm infrastructure and a government-assisted integrated farming project in the small hamlet, reportedly home to about 32 residents across seven households, has been described as a form of collective punishment, impermissible under domestic law, the Constitution of India and international human rights standards.
The Kuki Lawyers’ Association stated that the alleged acts violate fundamental rights under Articles 14, 19 and 21 of the Constitution and breach international human rights instruments, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
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Rejecting any attempt to justify such actions under any cause or ideology, the Association has demanded immediate identification, arrest and prosecution of all those allegedly involved, a time-bound and independent investigation, adequate security for affected villagers and witnesses, fixation of responsibility at all levels, and compensation and rehabilitation for the victims.
The Association warned that failure to act decisively would amount to a serious abdication of the State’s constitutional and international obligations and could encourage further lawlessness and violence.