The Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) has strongly condemned what it describes as the cold-blooded murder of three Kuki-Zo individuals—Lallungawi Hmar (21), Joshua Hmar (35), and Lalbiekkung Hmar (33)—by Assam police on July 16, 2024, in Cachar district near the Assam-Manipur border. This grievous incident has shocked the Kuki-Zo community and raised serious concerns about the conduct and accountability of law enforcement agencies in the region.
Despite the Assam Police’s claims of an encounter in which three Hmar militants were killed during an early morning operation, KIM asserts that the incident is a clear case of extrajudicial killing. Video footage circulating on social media shows the Assam Police stopping the three youths while they were traveling in an autorickshaw and taking them into custody. The three youths later appeared at the mortuary of Silchar Medical College and Hospital (SMCH), their deaths allegedly the result of a staged encounter.
The incident highlights the plight of the Kuki-Zo people, who lack a Separate Administration of their own, and represents a grave violation of their rights and privileges as equal citizens of India. KIM calls on the Government of India to expedite a permanent political solution to safeguard the rights and privileges of the Kuki-Zo people. KIM mourns the tragic deaths of Lallungawi Hmar, Joshua Hmar, and Lalbiekkung Hmar and stands in solidarity with their bereaved families. The Kuki-Zo community remains resolute in its quest for truth and justice against the injustices perpetrated since the beginning of ethnic violence in the Manipur region. KIM urges all relevant agencies and stakeholders to prioritize the investigation and ensure a fair resolution to this grievous matter.
Meanwhile, the Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights (KWOHR) also condemns the alleged encounter. According to the circulated video, it is clear that the three Kuki-Zo youths were arrested by Assam police while traveling in an autorickshaw and wearing casual dress. However, they were later found dead in combat attire at SMCH.
KWOHR calls upon the National Commission for Human Rights to intervene, seeking justice and suo-motu action against the Assam Police. The organization warns that it will initiate a judicial inquiry if necessary to ensure accountability in this matter.
