Edited by: Lulun Haokip, Kukiland Express Desk
Songpi: May 19, 2026
The Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), apex body of the Kuki people, condemned what it termed the “relentless persecution” of the community and accused the state government and security forces of ignoring its Charter of Demands. In a statement, KIM Information Secretary Janghaolun Haokip said the continued indifference to political and humanitarian concerns raised by the Kuki people was “deeply disturbing” amid their prolonged calls for justice and redressal over recent incidents.
Addressing specific grievances, Haokip pointed to the absence of arrests in the killing of Kuki church leaders, describing the inaction as evidence of “selective justice and institutional apathy”. He also cited reports that 14 Kuki individuals were allegedly being held captive by Naga groups in Senapati district, calling the situation “unsettling and unacceptable”. KIM stated that the lack of response in these cases has deepened insecurity within the community and weakened trust in law enforcement.
KIM further criticized ongoing combing operations by security forces in Kuki-inhabited areas. Haokip contended that the operations have not targeted actual perpetrators of killings and abductions but have instead spread fear and trauma among civilians. He alleged that continued crackdowns in Kuki regions, while those responsible for violent crimes remain free, demonstrate a bias in enforcement that endangers the community’s safety and dignity.
The organization stressed that identifying and prosecuting those behind the killings, along with ensuring the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, is the duty of the State and central security forces. KIM said fulfilling these conditions is essential to rebuild trust and de-escalate tensions. Haokip warned that unless these demands are met, the Kuki people would “strongly oppose” any combing or military-style operations launched by state or central forces in their areas.
Tensions remain high across the hill districts. Starting the evening of May 17, Kuki women in Sadar Hills, Kangpokpi district, began round-the-clock vigils across localities to resist security operations they consider unjust and targeted. KIM said the demonstrations reflect wider anger and uncertainty in the region, framing them as a response to what the community views as “systemic injustice” and targeted suppression.
This statement follows a series of pronouncements by Kuki bodies in recent months on security, justice, and political demands in Manipur. Related developments reported the same day included appeals for investigations into the deaths of church leaders and church-led peace initiatives in Kangpokpi and Senapati.
