By Nengcha Haokip, Kukiland Express Desk
Songpi: May 16, 2026
Kuki groups in Churachandpur district staged a large-scale mass rally on Friday to condemn the brutal murder of three Kuki pastors whose bodies were recovered between the Kotzim and Kotlen areas in Kangpokpi district on Wednesday, May 14, 2026.
The rally was organised by the Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights (KWOHR) amid heightened tensions and calls for justice from civil society organisations across the state.
Mass Participation from Church and Civil Society
Hundreds of people from various walks of life, including church leaders, village chiefs, women’s groups, student bodies, and youth organisations, took part in the demonstration. Protesters first assembled at Koite village ground at 10:00 AM before marching in a peaceful procession to the Wall of Remembrance in Tuibong, Churachandpur.
Participants held placards and banners bearing messages such as “Justice for the Three Pastors,” “Stop Targeted Killings,” “Respect Human Rights,” “Human Rights are Our Rights,” and “NSCN-IM, Stop Killing Innocents.” Slogans demanding immediate government intervention and accountability echoed through the streets during the 4-km march.
Memorandum Submitted to Union Home Minister
Following the rally, KWOHR submitted a detailed memorandum addressed to the Union Home Minister through the Deputy Commissioner of Churachandpur district. The memorandum outlined seven key demands aimed at ensuring justice, security, and long-term political safeguards for the Kuki people.
The demands include:
1. Re-imposition of President’s Rule in Manipur to restore law, order, and public confidence amid the ongoing ethnic crisis.
2. Immediate review and strengthening of security deployment in all Kuki-dominated areas to ensure safe and uninterrupted movement and protection for civilians and commuters.
3. A high-level, time-bound investigation into the brutal killing of the three Kuki pastors and all proxy violence carried out against the Kuki people, ensuring that perpetrators and conspirators are identified and prosecuted under the law.
4. Swift and decisive action against ZUF-Kamson and NSCN-IM, which KWOHR alleged are involved in orchestrating violence against innocent civilians.
5. Recognition and legal legitimisation of Village Guards formed for self-protection in Kuki villages under proper administrative and legal mechanisms.
6. Adequate security arrangements and permanent protection mechanisms in vulnerable and conflict-prone Kuki areas to prevent recurrence of such incidents.
7. Fulfilment of the long-standing political demand for Separate Administration for the Kuki people under the Constitution of India to ensure lasting peace, security, dignity, and coexistence.
Call for Urgent Central Intervention
Speaking at the Wall of Remembrance, KWOHR leaders said the killing of church pastors was an attack not only on individuals but on the faith, identity, and dignity of the Kuki community. They urged the Central Government to treat the incident with utmost seriousness.
“The Government of India must urgently intervene and take decisive steps to protect innocent lives, uphold justice, and safeguard the constitutional rights of the Kuki people,” the memorandum stated.
The rally concluded with a candlelight prayer service at Tuibong, where church leaders led the gathering in prayers for the departed pastors and for peace in the state.
Background
The three Kuki pastors were reportedly abducted earlier this week while traveling through Kangpokpi district. Their bodies were later recovered near Kotzim and Kotlen, sparking outrage across Kuki-inhabited areas. The incident has drawn condemnation from multiple Christian and human rights bodies in the Northeast.
This marks the latest in a series of protests across Manipur and Nagaland, including a peace rally by Dimapur Christians on May 16, demanding justice for the slain pastors.
