KWOHR flays 'arbitrary' arrests of Kuki people
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, June 08 2025: Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights (KWOHR) has expressed 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 representations and peaceful protests against the differential treatment and injustice meted out to the Kuki community by the NIA .

In a release issued Sunday, general secretary Kimneihoi Lhungdim recalled that on May 31, KWOHR, along with district-level women groups from Churachandpur, Moreh, Tengnoupal, Chandel, Kangpokpi, Jiri-Noney-Tamenglong and others, submitted a representation to the Union home minister.

KWOHR flays 'arbitrary' arrests of Kuki people

Simultaneously, a massive sit-in protest was held across Churachandpur and other district headquarters including Kangpokpi and Tengnoupal in which women groups, civil society organisations, and village authorities demanded an immediate halt to the unjust persecution of the Kuki people by the NIA.

"Yet, on June 6, two more Kuki men, Thangneo Kipgen alias Hentinthang of Molnomphai, Churachandpur and Kamginthang Gangte of Moreh, Tengnoupal were arrested under unfounded allegations and questionable circumstances, without proper legal procedure," it alleged.

KWOHR emphasised that the latest arrests, 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?" it posed.

KWOHR reminded authorities concerned 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.

"We demand immediate release of all arbitrarily arrested individuals, independent judicial enquiry into these arrests and the broader pattern of profiling and harassment, protection of fundamental rights and dignity of all citizens regardless of community or background," said the Organisation.

"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," it cautioned.