KSO Sadar Hills Calls for Justice on Human Rights Day, Alleges Systemic Bias Against Kuki-Zo Community

On the occasion of Human Rights Day, the Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO), Sadar Hills, called on the National Human Rights Commission of India (NHRC) to initiate an impartial investigation into the grave human rights violations allegedly committed by Meitei supremacist groups against the minority Kuki-Zo community.

In a show of solidarity and resistance, Kuki-Zo women gathered at Gamgiphai under the banner of KSO Sadar Hills to protest against these alleged violations. They demanded immediate justice for the victims, describing the ongoing atrocities as systemic and deliberate acts in the ethnic conflict.

The demonstrators condemned various acts of violence, including sexual assaults, murders, and arson, claiming they were carried out with impunity. They criticized the lack of accountability and the failure of investigative agencies to deliver justice, emphasizing that the Kuki-Zo community continues to face targeted attacks and marginalization.

The KSO stressed that these violent acts are not isolated incidents but part of a broader campaign to undermine the Kuki-Zo community's dignity and existence. They called on the NHRC to uphold its mandate by conducting unbiased investigations, bringing perpetrators to justice, and restoring faith in the rule of law.

Bebeck, Women Coordinator of KSO Sadar Hills, highlighted that more than 19 months have passed since the voices of the Kuki-Zo community were silenced amidst ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur.

“Human rights in Manipur seem to have been redefined as ‘Meitei rights,’” Bebeck asserted. “From the right to live a dignified life to the fundamental right of receiving a proper burial, every aspect of our humanity has been denied since the start of 2023.”

She urged national media and investigative agencies to ensure fair and thorough probes into the crimes committed against the community. She also appealed directly to the NHRC Chairperson to take cognizance of the atrocities and ensure equal justice for all citizens, irrespective of ethnicity or community.

The KSO Sadar Hills also submitted a memorandum to the NHRC Chairperson through the Deputy Commissioner of Kangpokpi. The memorandum detailed systemic bias in investigations into heinous crimes against the Kuki-Zo community by central agencies, including the National Investigative Agency (NIA) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

It listed several gruesome incidents over the past 19 months, including - David Thiek Hmar (32) – Decapitated and tortured (July 2, 2023); Florence Nengpichong Hangshing (27) and Olivia Lhingneithem Chongloi (23) – Gang-raped and murdered (May 4, 2023); Tonsing Hangshing (7) – Burned alive in an ambulance with his mother and aunt (June 4, 2023); Kamlengsat Lunkim (25) and Kamminlal Lupheng (23) – Mutilated into pieces, remains still unrecovered (April 13, 2024); and Zosangkim Hmar (30) – Gang-raped and burned alive (November 7, 2024).

The memorandum also mentioned other cases of murder, mutilation, and arson targeting women, children, and elderly individuals. Many victims’ remains remain unrecovered, depriving families of the opportunity to perform last rites.

The Kuki top student's body appealed to the NHRC to conduct impartial investigations into these crimes, ensure justice for victims and families, and hold perpetrators accountable to restore faith in judicial and law enforcement systems. Copies of the memorandum were also sent to the United Nations Human Rights Commission, the Chief Justice of India, and the Supreme Court’s Justice Mittal Committee.

The KSO stressed that the continued neglect of these cases underscores the urgent need for intervention at the highest levels. They called for justice, accountability, and respect for human rights to prevent further atrocities against the Kuki-Zo community.