Kuki-Zo Protesters Demand Release of Leaders After Manipur Raids

Imphal: Hundreds of Kuki-Zo residents marched through Kangpokpi district on Tuesday to demand the immediate release of three community leaders. The protest, organized by the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), moved from Nute Kailhang to Brig. M. Thomas Ground along National Highway 2. Demonstrators carried placards and chanted slogans against what they termed selective justice.

CoTU submitted a formal memorandum to Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen. The document seeks the release of Hengjang village chief K. Lhouvum, a retired Indian Defence Estates Service officer, alongside Ngamboi Haokip and Pagin Hangshing. All three men were arrested following unrest at Leimakhong on July 11.

The organization claims the three men intervened only to calm agitated crowds. CoTU spokesperson Ng Lun argued that the unrest stemmed from months of public frustration regarding the failure to maintain a steady supply of food, medicine, and basic vaccinations to the district. He stated, "The government's approach favoured one community over another and said such measures would not contribute to lasting peace or a durable political solution."

The memorandum alleges that Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) units and state forces have engaged in biased, unwarranted harassment of civil society leaders. Protesters cited a midnight raid on July 12 at the home of Bongphajol village chief Douminlal Haokip. CoTU asserts that personnel searched the residence without a valid search memo or local police presence.

The group also pointed to a June 30 protest at Gamgiphai where demonstrators allegedly breached a buffer zone. They claimed authorities ignored these actions while unfairly targeting Kuki-Zo leaders. CoTU has demanded an end to such tactics and insisted that all future security operations follow strict legal procedures, including the use of authorized search warrants and the oversight of local police. Copies of the memorandum were also sent to the Security Advisor and the Director General of Police.