KIM questions four arrests over Naga disappearances while probe into May 13 killings stalls; urges release of 14 detainees
Songpi: May 27, 2026
Kuki Inpi Manipur on Tuesday raised concerns over what it termed “selective action” by authorities, after four Kuki individuals were arrested in connection with the disappearance of six Naga persons from Senapati district. The organization said there has been no visible progress in the investigation into the May 13 killing of three church leaders, a silence that has caused “immense pain and anguish” in the community.
KIM alleged that 14 Kuki individuals remain in “illegal detention” under the influence of a students’ body and other civil groups in Senapati, despite extensive search operations carried out in Kuki areas. It claimed that while security forces have been active in those regions, little effort has been made to probe the murder of the three church leaders earlier this month.
The organization said the arrest of the four Kuki individuals, while suspects in the church leaders’ killing remain at large, would be viewed by the community as a “grave injustice.” It warned that such moves during a sensitive period could aggravate tensions in the violence-hit state, which has seen ethnic unrest since May 2023.
KIM urged investigating agencies and authorities to ensure “fairness, sincerity and impartiality” when handling cases involving all communities. It demanded the immediate and unconditional release of the 14 detainees and pressed for swift arrests of those responsible for the May 13 killings.
“The Kuki people seek neither privilege nor prejudice, but truth, equality and constitutional principles,” the statement said, adding that arbitrary arrests and selective actions risk deepening mistrust. The group appealed for due process and verified facts to guide all probes linked to the ongoing conflict in Manipur.
Edited by: Elvish Haokip, Kukiland Express Desk
