Songpi: The Kuki Human Rights Forum (KHRF) on Monday formally announced its full solidarity and endorsement of the State-wide “Sit-In Protest for Justice” organised by the Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights (KWOHR), scheduled to be held on 23rd September 2026 across Kuki inhabited areas. In an official press statement issued by its Department of Information and Public Relations on 22nd September, 2026, the Forum said this crucial gathering comes at a critical juncture when the community continues to endure unprecedented brutality, grave atrocities and systemic human rights violations.
According to the KHRF statement, women, children and innocent civilians have borne the heaviest burden of the unrelenting violence that has gripped the region for over two years. The Forum said Kuki women in particular have faced unspeakable hardship and trauma, with many becoming victims of sexual violence, displacement, loss of homes and livelihood, and psychological trauma. It stated that despite repeated appeals, petitions and memorandums submitted to both state and central authorities, there has been no appropriate, swift or decisive action against the perpetrators of these egregious crimes, leading to a deep sense of injustice and abandonment among the affected population.
KHRF strongly criticised the persistent lack of government intervention and accountability, stating that the failure of the law enforcement and justice delivery system has allowed impunity to thrive, leaving innocent lives vulnerable and unprotected. The statement observed that when institutions mandated to protect citizens fail to act, it emboldens perpetrators and erodes public faith in democracy and rule of law. The Forum said the continued silence and inaction of the authorities has not only denied justice to victims but has also sent a dangerous message that crimes against the community can be committed without consequences.
In light of this systemic failure, the Kuki Human Rights Forum declared that public demonstration is not merely an option but a moral imperative. It said the Sit-In Protest organised by KWOHR is a legitimate, peaceful and democratic expression of collective grief, anger and demand for justice. The Forum noted that the protest will see participation of representatives from across women’s bodies, including the Zomi Mother Association, Hmar Women Association, Vaiphei Women Association, Mizo People Convention (Women Wing), and Kuki Women Union, serving as a unified voice of Kuki women across all sub-tribes and regions. This broad-based participation, KHRF said, reflects the shared pain and common resolve of all Kuki mothers and sisters.
Elaborating on the core demands of the protest, KHRF said the unified voice of the women will press for three non-negotiable demands. First, Immediate Government Action: swift identification, arrest and prosecution of all perpetrators involved in atrocities against Kuki women, children and civilians. The Forum demanded that FIRs pending for months be acted upon, charge sheets filed, and fast-track courts set up to ensure time-bound justice. Second, Protection of Innocent Lives: stronger, decisive measures by relevant authorities to safeguard basic human rights, dignity and security in the region. This includes adequate security in vulnerable villages, safe return of internally displaced persons, and protection of farms, churches and properties.
The third and most crucial demand, according to KHRF, is Accountability and Justice: full transparency and standard legal accountability for human rights violations, without compromise. The Forum said there cannot be any selective justice or political bargaining when it comes to crimes against women and children. It asserted that human rights are fundamental, universal and non-negotiable, and as long as justice is delayed, peace remains out of reach. KHRF quoted the central slogan of the movement, “No Justice, No Peace,” stating that lasting peace in Manipur cannot be built on the graves of injustice and that true reconciliation is only possible after accountability is fixed.
The Kuki Human Rights Forum, which works under the motto of Peace, Unity, Dignity, Justice, said the upcoming sit-in protest is not a political programme but a humanitarian cry for justice. It recalled that several cases of brutal killings, burning of villages, desecration of churches, looting of properties and sexual assault on women have been documented and submitted to various national and international human rights bodies, including the National Human Rights Commission and the Supreme Court-appointed committees. Yet, the Forum lamented, conviction rate remains near zero and many perpetrators continue to roam freely, some even glorified on social media.
Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights (KWOHR), the organiser of the protest, is the apex women’s rights body of the Kuki community that has been at the forefront of documenting atrocities, providing legal aid to victims and leading peaceful agitations since the outbreak of violence in May 2023. The September 23 sit-in, according to organisers, will be held simultaneously at multiple district headquarters including Lamka, Kangpokpi, Tengnoupal and Pherzawl, with women clad in black sitting in silence and holding placards demanding justice. The protest is expected to draw thousands of women from interior villages.
KHRF further appealed to all sections of the society to support the protest. In its statement, the Forum urged all community members, human rights organisations, civil society leaders, church leaders, student bodies, and justice-seeking citizens across the country to join and support KWOHR in this peaceful demonstration. It said the fight for justice for Kuki women is a fight for justice for all women in India and that silence of the larger civil society at this hour would be a betrayal of constitutional values. The Forum also called upon international human rights watchdogs to monitor the situation.
In conclusion, Kuki Human Rights Forum reiterated that it stands firmly with KWOHR and all victims until justice is delivered. It said the endorsement is not just symbolic but a commitment to stand together in court, on the streets and in every forum where justice is sought. The statement was issued by the Department of Information and Public Relations, Kuki Human Rights Forum (KHRF). The sit-in protest on September 23 is expected to be one of the largest women-led peaceful demonstrations in the hills since the crisis began, sending a clear message to New Delhi and Imphal that without justice, peace will remain elusive.
