Kuki-Zo Protesters Demand Justice for Slain Church Leaders in Kangpokpi

Imphal: Protesters flooded the Kangpokpi district headquarters on Friday. Organized by the Kuki Christian Leaders’ Forum, the rally demanded accountability for the murders of three church leaders. The crowd marched to the residence of Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen to hand over a formal memorandum.

The minister was out of town. Her staff took the paperwork instead. Speakers at the rally blasted the media for ignoring the Kuki-Zo community during the current ethnic strife. They claim 14 members of their group died recently and 13 people were burned alive in their village.

The group condemned the violence at Kotlen. The Kuki Christian Leaders’ Forum stated the act was "a grave act of violence." The deceased include Dr. Rev. Vumthang Sitlhou, Kaigoulum, and Pastor Paogoulen. Identity politics complicate the mourning process. The Thadou Inpi Manipur and other groups insist the victims were Thadou, not Kuki.

The protesters want a fair, independent investigation into the village attacks. They are also pushing for better security to protect remaining homes. They demand the state provide cash compensation for families who lost everything in the flames.