KIM, KSO Condemn Abduction of 6 Civilians, Demand immediate release

The Kuki Inpi Mannipur and Kuki Students’ Organisation, General Headquarters, vehemently condemned the recent abduction of 6 civilians, including 2 minors, in between Kangvai and Molhoi Village, carried out by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with the killing of two students in July last.

A statement issued on Sunday by the KSO-GHQ said the abduction of innocent civilians, particularly minors, is a gross violation of human rights and an affront to the principles of justice and humanity. It clarified that the alleged accused- Boisawm Haokip and Paominlun Haokip are neither KNF Zogam cadres or have any involvement in the said murder case, but are the President and General Secretary of KSO Leimata Block respectively.

“We believe in the importance of upholding the rule of law and ensuring that justice is served impartially and without discrimination. The abduction of innocent civilians and minors is a grave concern, as it not only jeopardizes their well-being but also has severe emotional and psychological repercussions,” KSO said.

The students' body called upon the relevant authorities including the CBI to ensure the safe return of the abducted civilians, especially the minors, to their families, providing them with the care and support they require and to uphold the principles of justice, human rights, and child protection, and work to prevent such incidents in the future.

It also urged to engage in open dialogue with the concerned communities to address their concerns and create an atmosphere of trust and cooperation.

The KSO-GHQ is deeply appalled and concerned about the selective and discrimination of opening cases by the Central Government Agencies including the recent events involving the Central Bureau of Investigation. "This act of unfair prejudice reflects the inequality of delivering justice," it said, and warned the agency not to act hastily due to political pressure which could further create mayhem.

KSO-GHQ also expressed strong condemnation of a recent Facebook post by Chief Minister Biren Singh, in which he publicly supports the arrest of individuals without any proof or evidence. Such statements by a public official carry significant weight and responsibility, and they have the potential to influence public opinion and crippled the principles of justice and due process, KSO alleged.

"Chief Minister Biren Singh must refrain from making such statements that pre-judge or influence ongoing investigations, as these can have far-reaching consequences in delivering justice."

Further, the KSO GHQ endorsed the shutdown called by ITLF and JSB. This shutdown is a resentment of the Kuki-Zo community towards the partiality of the Government and appeal to the general public to abide with the agitation.

Condemning the arrest of six Kuki individuals including 2 minors and demanding their immediate release, the Kuki Inpi Manipur warned concerned authorities that all its federating units and the Kuki people as a whole would not be responsible for any untoward incident progressing out of the constant suppression and oppression of Kuki community by the Manipur state government.

In its statement issued on late Sunday night, KIM demanded the release of the abductees which it said were ‘arrested in breach of law and order and constitutional norms,’ of "equal protection of law/equality before law" enshrined in the Constitution of India Article 14.

KIM stated that the Kuki people were utterly dismayed by the selective/exclusive justice against the Kuki people. When arrests are made on grounds of suspicion against the Kuki community, why the culprits of the barbaric beheading, mutilation, rape, and immolation against the Kuki people are not apprehended in the same manner, asked KIM.

"This only substantiates the fact that the Manipur state government is altogether manipulating law and order and constitutional values and principles in the state to fit into its nefarious agenda of wiping out the Kuki community from the Manipur state," it said.

With utter dismay, KIM further asked how long the central leadership would allow such miserable state of "lawlessness/statelessness" in the state, and allow the State leadership under N. Biren Singh to execute anti-state, anti-constitutional, anti-national agendas in the interest of the radicalized Meiteis to exploit, dehumanize, and terrorize the Kuki community.