Atrocities On Kuki-Zo Tribals Highlighted in Press Conference at Delhi

Deeply concerned about the escalating developments of atrocities committed on Moreh residents in Manipur by the State-sponsored radical groups- Arambai Tenggol, Meitei Leepun, and other Valley Based Insurgent Groups (VBIGs) such as UNLF, PLA, MPA, the Kuki Students' Organisation Delhi & NCR alleged that the recorded occurrences present a distressing image of disproportionate use of force, human rights breaches, and a complete breakdown of law and order and constitutional machineries in Manipur.

In a press conference organized by the organization at Press Club of India, New Delhi, the KSO said incidents of police brutality and abuse of power have prompted major concerns about the role of law enforcement in protecting the rights and security of the Kuki-Zo tribals, who are also law-abiding citizens of the country. The situation in Moreh, as well as the ongoing perpetration of such horrific atrocities in all Kuki-Zo inhabited areas, necessitates immediate intervention and action to alleviate their suffering.
During the press briefing, the organization presented a detailed picture of police brutality in Moreh, state of lawlessness and a report on Saikul attack.

Moreh Atrocities/Brutalities: There have been multiple reports of State Police using excessive force on local Kuki-Zo inhabitants in Moreh. The presence of State Police (Commandos) working with Valley Based Insurgent Groups (VBIGs) such as Arambai Tenggol, Meitei Leepun, United National Liberation Front (UNLF), People's Liberation Army of Manipur (PLA), and People's Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak has become an existential threat for local residents. On January 15th, a woman was shot in the leg by the Police Commandos during a peaceful march. Again, on January 19, 2024, CCTV footage surfaced showing Meitei Militants in Police Commando uniform burning houses and schools on fire in broad daylight. These ongoing atrocities have put the lives of Kuki-Zo citizens in Moreh in peril. Furthermore, our children's fundamental rights to education have been grossly violated, thus necessitating a quick action on the part of the Centre to alleviate incidents of violence so that education and future of children is not jeopardized. Worryingly, such radical groups' impunity from the rule of law has resulted in continued egregious violations of human rights in all Kuki-Zo inhabited areas.

State of Lawlessness: On January 24, 2024, Meitei Militant groups—the Arambai Tenggol summoned all 40 Valley Legislators and Members of Parliament at Imphal Kangla Fort, and coerced them into signing an oath of allegiance under duress for annihilating all Kuki-Zos in the State of Manipur. Such audacity against public representatives is a direct attack on India's democracy. As a result, lawlessness continues unabated, wreaking havoc and causing irreversible harm between the two belligerent communities. As a result, KSOD & NCR, as well as all Kuki-Zo CSOs, ask for immediate action to combat such lawlessness by reinstating AFSPA throughout the valley and holding those perpetrators accountable for such dastardly act. It may be mentioned that the looting of more than 6000 sophisticated guns and 5 lakh ammunition from the state armoury by these extremist groups on the 4th of May 2023, allow for such magnitude of violence to persist.

Saikul Attack (Khamenlok/Satang Area: The propensity for violence and atrocities continued to manifest itself in an exchange of fire as Meitei Militants intruded beyond the buffer zones into Kuki-Zo populated districts in the peripheries of Saikul Sub-Division, Kangpokpi (Kanggui) District which were guarded by Central Security Forces. On January 27, 2024, at around 5:00 a.m., hard-lined Meitei militants attacked the Kuki-Zo Village Volunteers, killing one named Tilminlun Khongsai aged 26 years. The Village Volunteers (VVs) retaliated, and the exchange of fire lasted the whole day. Furthermore, the radical militants razed and bull-dozed the Church at Aigejang Village to the ground, and also desecrated St. Thomas Church at Khopibung village, which is an insult to the Christian faith. They also set fire to the houses and vestiges left behind by the villagers who fled for their lives in June of last year (2023).

The KSOD & NCR, therefore, beseeches the Centre’s intervention through law enforcement agencies, and relevant authorities to take prompt action to resolve the condition of the Kuki-Zo tribals as a result of the horrific deeds of the radical Meiteis nurtured by the State Government.

Highlighting the timeline of various atrocities committed on the Kuki-Zo population, the KSO Delhi & NCR also laid down a series of demands to be addressed immediately.
“Because of all the atrocities on the Kuki-Zo people since May 3rd, 2023 and repeated, indiscriminate attacks on the hapless tribal community till today in the hills (which the Central government is aware of), our ultimate demand/request is for Central Government to intervene and fulfil our request today and work out a permanent solution for us soon. In the wake of these gross injustices against the Kuki-Zo people, we assert the following demands to bring justice to the community in the town of Moreh in particular and Kuki-inhabited areas in general”, KSO statement reads.

The demand includes:

1. Immediate and complete withdrawal of Meitei State Security Forces and VBIGs from Moreh

2. The replacement of Col. Akash Oinam, CO 18 A.R. in Saikul for effective law and order situation.

3. A written assurance from competent authorities ensuring the safety and security of the Kuki people in Moreh and all other Kuki-Zo inhabited areas of the State.

4. Effective enforcement of buffer-zones and the central forces should be given power and authority to stop Meitei militants from intruding and attacking Kuki-Zo villages.

5. Removal of all Manipuri Army officers from Manipur to ensure neutrality and impartiality of Central forces and replacement by Non-Manipuri officers.

6. The Central government should immediately take control of Manipur whose government is now controlled by the Meitei militant groups. The state government has completely surrendered to the Meitei militants and alternative arrangement for security and governance of the tribals in the hills should be arranged at the earliest.

7. Displaced students should be given admission in educational Institutes outside the state to complete their studies. There are hundreds of Kuki-Zo students in medical, nursing and engineering courses who could not continue their studies.

8. The Central government should expedite the formation of Separate Administration for Kuki-Zo tribals to bring lasting peace in the international border state of Manipur.