Kuki-Zo women stage protest in Kangpokpi, demand justice for slain Church leaders and safe release of hostages
Source: The Sangai Express

Kangpokpi, May 22 2026: Hundreds of Kuki-Zo women on Friday staged a peaceful sit-in protest in Kangpokpi district, demanding justice for the three Church leaders killed in an ambush on May 13 and calling for the immediate release of fourteen Kuki-Zo civilians allegedly held hostage in Senapati district.

The protest, organised under the aegis of the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) as entrusted by the Kuki Inpi Manipur, witnessed the participation of women from various villages and localities across the district.

Carrying placards and raising slogans demanding justice and accountability, the protesters condemned the killing of the three Church leaders, describing the incident as a "barbaric and inhuman act" that has deeply shaken the Kuki-Zo community.

The women protesters stated that the slain Church leaders were respected religious figures dedicated to peace, humanitarian service and spiritual guidance, and alleged that the killings reflected the growing insecurity faced by the Kuki-Zo people amid the continuing ethnic unrest in the State.

The demonstrators also demanded the immediate and unconditional safe release of the fourteen Kuki-Zo civilians allegedly held hostage in Senapati district.

Describing the situation as a grave humanitarian concern, the protesters appealed to all authorities and civil society organisations concerned to ensure the safe return of the captives without delay.

Meanwhile, the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) issued an "appeal for peace", urging all communities, armed groups and authorities to immediately prevent further bloodshed and restore normalcy through dialogue, restraint and humanitarian action.

The Council also made a direct humanitarian plea for the immediate handover of all hostages - "whether alive or dead" - to the authorities and concerned families without delay, underlining the deep anguish and uncertainty faced by affected families.

The appeal followed a high-level Leaders' Consultative Meeting held at KIC Hall in Tuibuong, Churachandpur, attended by leaders of various tribes, chiefs' associations, church forums, philanthropic organisations, MLAs and Suspension of Operations (SoO) groups.

Invoking what it termed the "true spirit of Christianity," the KZC appealed for peace, harmony and brotherhood between the Kuki-Zo and Naga communities in Manipur at a time when ethnic tensions continue to prevail in several hill districts.

The Council further urged the Government and security agencies to act impartially and ensure the safety and security of all civilians, stating that public confidence could only be restored through fairness, accountability and sincere intervention on the ground.

Comment