Strong Condemnation of Continued Arbitrary Arrests and Systemic Injustice Against the Kuki People
The Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights (KWOHR) expresses its deep anger and unequivocal condemnation at the continued arbitrary arrests and targeted harassment of individuals belonging to the Kuki community by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and other state forces, despite our representations and peaceful protests against the differential treatment and injustice meted out to the Kuki community by the NIA.
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On 31st May 2025, KWOHR, alongside district-level women’s groups from Churachandpur, Moreh, Tengnoupal, Chandel, Kangpokpi, Jiri-Noney-Tamenglong and others, submitted a representation to the Hon’ble Union Home Minister. Simultaneously, a massive sit-in protest was held across Lamka and several other district headquarters including Kangpokpi and Tengnoupal in which women’s groups, civil society organisations, and village authorities demanded an immediate halt to the unjust persecution of the Kuki people by the NIA.
Yet, on 6th June 2025, rubbing salt to our wound, two more Kuki men, Mr. Thangneo Kipgen @ Hentinthang of Molnomphai, Churachandpur, and Mr. Kamginthang Gangte of Moreh, Tengnoupal were arrested under unfounded allegations and questionable circumstances, without proper legal procedure.
This arrest, carried out in defiance of public appeals for justice, is an open mockery of our democratic and human rights. It reinforced a pattern of institutional discrimination and collective punishment against the Kuki people, who are already reeling under the weight of ethnic violence and displacement.
We ask:
How long will the voice of Kuki women and our peaceful demands be ignored? Is raising concerns against injustice now a crime for Kuki citizens?
KWOHR reminds the authorities that India is a constitutional democracy, not a police state. Arrests without due process, especially when selectively targeting a specific community, are unacceptable and must be condemned by all right-thinking citizens.
And we demand:
1. The immediate release of all arbitrarily arrested individuals.
2. An independent judicial inquiry into these arrests and the broader pattern of profiling and harassment.
3. Protection of fundamental rights and dignity of all citizens regardless of community or background.
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If the voices of mothers, daughters, and sisters of the Kuki people continue to be ignored, it reflects not just a failure of governance but a grave betrayal of justice. AS SUCH, considering our serious concerns regarding fairness and impartiality of NIA in its actions, any future attempts to apprehend members of our community by NIA will be met with strong resistance, as we seek a balanced approach to justice that respects the rights and dignity of all groups involved.
May God defend the Kuki people.
(This is a press release of the Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights (KWOHR) issued on June 8, 2025 provided to Ukhrul Times)