Kuki Human Rights Council flags arrests of 4 Kukis, inaction on 3 pastors killed and 14 hostages; cites 1500+ deaths since 1993, seeks impartial probe
Edited by: Nengcha Haokip, Kukiland Express Desk
Songpi: May 27, 2026
The Kuki Human Rights Council (KHRC) on Tuesday strongly condemned what it called consistent bias and selective action by the Government of India against the Kuki community.
In a press statement bearing Ref. No: KHRC/PR/2026/05/27, the Council said the arrest of four Kuki individuals in Kangpokpi district on May 25, 2026, in connection with the disappearance of six Naga persons in Senapati district, stands in stark contrast to the continued silence on the May 13, 2026 killing of three Kuki pastors.
“To date, there has been no visible progress, no official report, and no arrests in that case,” the KHRC stated. It questioned why the Indian Army was not conducting operations to apprehend the abductors of the 14 Kuki hostages, and the killers of the three Kuki pastors, allegedly involving Tangkhul militants and SDSA leaders.
The Council noted that the Indian Army has conducted operations to apprehend Mr. Tiger Kipgen, the Kuki National Front (P) commander, yet Arambai Tenggol leaders, Meitei militant leaders and Tangkhul militant leaders are operating freely and are not being targeted by the Government of India. “Why is the Modi-led BJP Government treating the Kuki community unfairly?” the statement asked.
KHRC termed the lack of action regarding 14 Kuki hostages who remain in illegal detention as of May 26, 2026 as “equally disturbing.” It added that while swift steps are taken when other communities are affected, cases involving Kuki victims face prolonged delays and indifference from state and central authorities. “This pattern reinforces a perception of unequal treatment under the law,” the Council said.
According to KHRC, the Kuki community has endured decades of violence and neglect. Since 1993, more than 1,500 Kuki civilians have lost their lives in recurring conflicts. This includes the 1993 Kuki-Naga conflict that claimed over 1,100 Kuki lives during the ceasefire agreement between NSCN-IM, led by Th. Muivah, and the Government of India, and the 2023 Kuki-Meitei conflict that resulted in the deaths of more than 250 Kuki civilians under the Manipur state administration led by Shri N. Biren Singh since May 3, 2023. “In each instance, the community has sought justice, protection, and impartial investigation, yet our appeals have largely been ignored,” the statement read.
The Council said it believes this continued disregard has contributed to repeated cycles of violence and loss for the Kuki people. “The absence of accountability and equal protection under the Constitution has left our community vulnerable and unheard,” it added.
Therefore, the Kuki Human Rights Council reiterated its urgent appeal for intervention by world leaders and the United Nations Human Rights Council. It said it seeks international attention to ensure impartial investigations, the release of all civilian detainees, protection of Kuki lives and properties, and equal application of justice in Manipur and across India.
“The Kuki people ask for neither privilege nor prejudice, but for truth, equality, and the constitutional guarantees owed to every citizen of India,” the statement concluded.
Edited By: Kimbawinu Vaiphei
Kukiland Express Desk
