KSO hails SC decree on under-trial Kuki-Zo prisoner
Source: Chronicle News Service

Kangpokpi, July 11 2024: Kuki Students' Organisation General Headquarters (KSO-GHQ) has hailed the Supreme Court of India's 'landmark decision' in the case of an under-trial Kuki-Zo prisoner, Lunkhongam Haokip, who was denied essential medical treatment due to safety concerns allegedly based on his ethnicity.

The students' body stated that the SC has delivered a significant victory for the minority Kuki community in Manipur by ruling against alleged discriminatory practices by the state government.

In their ruling, the bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and Ujjal Bhuyan expressed deep mistrust in the state government's handling of the case, stating, "We do not trust the state...the accused was not taken to the hospital because he is from the Kuki community" .

Haokip, who was suffering from serious health conditions including piles and tuberculosis, was deprived of necessary medical attention while incarcerated, it claimed.

KSO-GHQ welcomed the ruling with gratitude and has long advocated for the rights of Kuki tribal people.

They are now calling for further action, urging the SC to establish a commission to inspect conditions in Imphal jail and oversee the welfare of tribal inmates and internally displaced persons (IDPs) in relief camps.

The Kuki community has been historically marginalised and with limited political representation, has voiced a loss of confidence in the state government, KSO claimed, while emphasising the need for comprehensive reforms to address these issues and ensure equitable treatment under the law.

As this ruling marks a turning point in the struggle for justice and equality in Manipur, stakeholders are hopeful that it will pave the way for broader reforms and initiatives aimed at fostering inclusivity and respect for minority rights in the region, it further said.

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