Ukhrul, May 30: The Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights (KWOHR) has announced a peaceful Sit-In Protest across Kuki-Zo areas in response to what it describes as a growing number of arbitrary and unjust arrests of Kuki-Zo individuals by central agencies such as the NIA and CBI.
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In a press release issued on May 29, KWOHR condemned a system where, according to the organisation, Kuki-Zo individuals are detained on mere suspicion and forced to prove their innocence, while perpetrators of violence allegedly go unpunished. The organisation claimed that thousands of FIRs filed against Meitei extremists have not resulted in any arrests, whereas Kuki-Zo people continue to face harassment and criminalisation.
“This stark double standard is a threat to the very foundation of justice and democracy,” the press release said.
The KWOHR also expressed outrage over the continued freedom of Korounganba, described as a Meitei militant leader allegedly responsible for major arms lootings and atrocities against Kuki-Zo women. Despite ongoing investigations, KWOHR stated that Korounganba remains free, highlighting what it views as selective law enforcement. KWOHR further urged the Supreme Court of India to expedite the trial against former Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, who is accused of inciting ethnic violence through an audio recording.
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KWOHR further condemned what it sees as appeasement of Meitei civil society groups like the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), which it accused of inciting unrest and targeting Kuki-Zo communities under the guise of nationalism. It also criticised the Ministry of Home Affairs for allegedly emboldening such groups through inaction.
The Kuki women rights organisation furthermore warned that continued government inaction will lead to escalated protests, including the closure of government offices in Kuki-Zo areas. It declared that agencies like the NIA and CBI would not be allowed to operate freely in the region if arrests of Kuki-Zo individuals persist without evidence.
The sit-in protest, according to KWOHR, themed “No Justice in Fear: Protest Against NIA & CBI”, is scheduled to take place on May 31, 2025, from 11 AM to 2 PM at the Wall of Remembrance, Peace Ground, Tuibong, Lamka.