Kuki CSOs in Moreh Protest Against Unlawful Arrest of Two Innocent Civilians

Leaders of various Kuki Civil Society Organizations, including the Kuki Inpi Tengnoupal, Kuki Students Organisation, and Kuki Women Union Tengnoupal, held a sit-in protest at Tengnoupal Bazar on Tuesday, demanding the unconditional release of Moreh Youth Club President Philip Khongsai and K. Molsang village Chief Hemlal Mate. The protesters claimed that the arrested individuals are innocent.

Meanwhile, the Kuki Inpi Tengnoupal (KIT) district strongly opposes the alleged framing and arrest of two Kuki Inpi executives, Phillip K Khongsai and Hemkholal Mate, as the supposed killers of SDPO Chongtham Anand Singh by the Meitei State Government led by Shri N. Biren Singh. This is in collaboration with the notorious Meitei State Commandos and Arambai Tenggol (State-sponsored Meitei Terrorists).

In an ultimatum issued today, the KIT labeled the accusations as false and baseless, part of a sinister design by the Meitei Government to forcibly subjugate the Kuki-Zo Communities of Moreh. This follows a series of violent actions initiated by N. Biren Singh since May 3, 2023.

On January 15, 2024, around 5:50 pm, during a peaceful protest by women in Moreh in front of the ADC complex gate, Meitei terrorists allegedly surrounded the protesters and fired live rounds without provocation, causing grievous injuries to a woman named Nemneilhing Simte. In an attempt to evade responsibility, the Meitei terrorists, under N. Biren Singh's leadership, arrested the two armless innocent civilians, KIT rued.

“Despite appeals to the district administration, district superintendent of police, and other authorities not to deploy Meitei forces in Moreh and Tengnoupal District, KIT's concerns have been ignored. The state forces are seen as the source of all troubles in Moreh town.”

KIT calls for the immediate release of the unarmed, innocent civilian leaders within 24 hours. Failure to do so will lead to serious repercussions from the people of Tengnoupal District, with the district administration, superintendent of police, and other concerned authorities held responsible.

The Moreh Youth Club (MYC) also condemned the recent incidents involving the unlawful arrest, false allegations, and brutal treatment of their President Philip K. Khongsai and Hemkholal Mate, Chief of K. Muolsang Village, as absurd and unacceptable abuses of authority by Meitei Police Commandos. MYC demanded a swift and impartial investigation, withdrawal of false charges, and accountability for any acts of Meitei Police Commando brutality. MYC warned of a robust protest, with adverse outcomes squarely attributed to DC Tengnoupal and SP Tengnoupal.