Songpi: The Kuki Human Rights Council has strongly condemned the meeting between Tipaimukh Assembly Constituency MLA Ngursanglur Sanate, representatives of Civil Society Organisations from Pherzawl District and Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh at Imphal on 30th September, 2026. The condemnation was made in a press release bearing Ref. No. KHRC/PR/09/2026-13 dated 1st October, 2026, issued on Thursday from its Head Office at Lamka, Songpi – 795128. In the statement, issued by the Secretary, Information and Publicity, the Council said it was deeply pained to note that such an engagement took place at a time when Kuki people remain displaced and justice continues to be denied. The Council stated that engaging with the very dispensation that failed to protect their lives only weakens the collective struggle for political justice.
Appealing directly to the Hmar tribe, the Council earnestly appealed to its brothers and sisters of the Hmar tribe, especially the youth and the educated, not to fall prey to the divide-and-rule policy of the Manipur and Central Governments. The KHRC said Pherzawl is one of the most backward districts in the state and its people, predominantly from the Hmar tribe, have suffered immensely since the outbreak of violence in May 2023. The Council alleged that assurances related to road connectivity, electricity, banking services and revival of the Autonomous District Council are being used tactically to divert attention from the core political issue and to fragment the unity of the Kuki tribes.
The Council stated in clear terms that development without security and justice is meaningless. According to the KHRC, offering infrastructure and administrative sops cannot guarantee the safety of lives, land and identity when the fundamental question of political security remains unaddressed. The Council noted that the people of Pherzawl District continue to face insecurity, displacement and denial of justice, and any attempt to lure them with developmental packages will not resolve the root cause of the crisis. It said such assurances are temporary and cannot replace the need for constitutional and political safeguards.
Reiterating its political stand, the Council urged everyone to remain focused on the urgent need for a Separate State or Union Territory under the Constitution of India for the Kuki community to safeguard lives, land and identity. The KHRC clarified that the demand is not for economic packages but for political security and constitutional protection of ancestral land and cultural identity. It stressed that all civil society organisations, village chiefs, youth bodies and church leaders of Pherzawl District, including those of the Hmar tribe, must stay united and not be swayed by short-term administrative assurances. The Council appealed to the people to prioritize Separate Administration first and development second.
Recalling the atrocities committed against the community, the Council said the Kuki people must not forget the sacrifices of their brothers and sisters. It cited the case of David Hmar, who was beheaded and whose head was displayed on a fence, and the case of Zosangkim Hmar, who was raped, tortured and burnt alive by a Meitei mob and Arambai Tenggol. The Council stated that these are not isolated incidents but part of a larger pattern of targeted violence. It further stated that more than 200 Kuki civilians have been killed by Meitei mobs, state forces and Meitei extremists since May 2023, while thousands remain displaced and are yet to receive justice.
The KHRC cautioned that the Imphal meeting could be misused by vested interests to project a false narrative that the Kuki people of Pherzawl are satisfied with the present Manipur administration and are seeking only development. The Council said any solution to the Manipur crisis must be political, constitutional and honourable and must address the long-standing marginalisation, insecurity and denial of rights of the Kuki people.
Therefore, the KHRC urged all members of the Kuki community to prioritize Separate Administration first and development second. It called upon all Civil Society Organisations of Pherzawl District to remain united in pursuit of Separate Administration for the Kuki community and to refrain from any engagement that undermines the legitimate demand. The Council said it will continue to work in line with its motto of Equality, Justice and Freedom and stand for the rights of the Kuki people. It appealed to all Kuki sub-tribes to remain vigilant against attempts to create division and to stand firm for a collective future.
