Thousands march from Koite to Peace Ground under KIM’s nationwide call, protesting targeted persecution, killings of church leaders, and alleged illegal detention of civilians in Senapati.
Edited by: St. Ginth Haokip | Kukiland Express Desk
Songpi, May 30, 2026
Thousands of Kuki residents joined a mass rally in Churachandpur district Saturday as part of Kuki Inpi Manipur’s nationwide protest, demanding justice for three slain church leaders and the release of 14 Kuki civilians allegedly held in Senapati. The procession began at Koite village and concluded at Peace Ground, Tuibong, with participants across age groups carrying placards and chanting slogans condemning violence and government inaction. Organizers said the rally reflected growing anger over what they termed “ongoing persecution and targeted victimisation” of the Kuki people.
According to Kuki Inpi Manipur, the demonstration was called to protest alleged persecution by the Manipur Tangkhul-Liangmai and Meitei communities. KIM also cited strong opposition to the authorities’ failure to identify and prosecute those behind the brutal killing of three Kuki church leaders earlier this month. Speakers at the rally said the murders represented an attack on religious freedom and peaceful coexistence, and that the lack of arrests despite nationwide outrage had deepened distrust in the justice system. Church members and civil society representatives reiterated calls for a central agency probe and swift accountability.
The rally further highlighted the continued detention of 14 Kuki civilians, allegedly held by Tangkhul-Liangmai Civil Society Organisations in Senapati district. KIM described the detention as “illegal” and a “grave violation of human rights, constitutional values, and the rule of law.” Protesters said the prolonged confinement of innocent civilians had created fear and insecurity among the Kuki population, and accused authorities of selective enforcement by acting swiftly in other cases while ignoring these incidents. Demands were raised for immediate intervention by the Government of India to secure the unconditional release of the detainees.
The Churachandpur rally is part of coordinated demonstrations across Kuki areas following KIM’s nationwide call. Participants reaffirmed commitment to democratic and constitutional means of seeking redress, but warned that peace and reconciliation cannot be achieved without justice and protection of rights. KIM urged New Delhi to ensure security in Kuki-inhabited areas, dismantle armed groups involved in ethnic violence, and expedite a political solution to address the community’s security concerns and aspirations. The rally concluded peacefully at Peace Ground with appeals for accountability and lasting settlement.
