Kuki Students' Organisation Rebukes Shiv Sena Manipur Unit President’s Allegations; Condemns Extrajudicial Killing by Assam Police

The Kuki Students' Organisation General Headquarters (KSO-GHQ) has expressed astonishment and strong opposition to recent statements by the Shiv Sena Manipur Unit advocating for the removal of Assam Rifles from Manipur and their replacement by a so-called "neutral force." The KSO-GHQ emphasized the critical role of Assam Rifles, part of the central security agencies, in maintaining law and order in the state.

The KSO-GHQ refutes the allegations made by the president of Shiv Sena Manipur Unit, who claimed that Kuki militants have been killing security personnel. They described these accusations as baseless and incendiary, warning that such statements could exacerbate ethnic tensions. The KSO-GHQ reminded the public of past attacks by Meitei Terrorist PLA, including the November 13, 2021 ambush resulting in the deaths of Colonel Viplav Tripathi, his family, and four paramilitary force jawans, as well as the 2015 attack on the 6 Dogra Regiment in Chandel district, which claimed the lives of 20 security personnel.

The KSO-GHQ stated that the Assam Rifles operate without bias towards any ethnic community in Manipur and have worked tirelessly to maintain law and order across the state. They called for the restoration of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in the valley and Imphal city to ensure stability, given that state forces, along with Meitei militants and radical groups, have allegedly targeted Kuki communities.

The KSO-GHQ questioned why the Shiv Sena Manipur Unit singled out Assam Rifles, suggesting it might be because Assam Rifles are known as "Friends of the Hills." They accused the Shiv Sena Manipur Unit President of attempting to please Meitei terrorist and radical groups with his statement. The KSO-GHQ called for increased deployment of Assam Rifles in the state rather than their removal.

In light of the recent incident in Assam, the KSO-GHQ also strongly condemned the alleged extrajudicial killing of Lallungawi Hmar, Lalbiekkung Hmar, and Joshua Lalrinsang by Assam police on July 16, 2024, in Cachar district. According to the KSO-GHQ, the three individuals were apprehended while traveling in an autorickshaw and taken to a police station for interrogation. However, video evidence circulating on social media depicts the victims in casual attire, contradicting the official account, which showed them in combat dress after their deaths.

Another video shows an Assam police officer discreetly placing a weapon inside one of the victim's bags, raising further questions about the legitimacy of the police's account. The KSO-GHQ has called upon the National Commission for Human Rights to intervene, seeking justice and a suo-motu action against the Assam police in this matter.