Kuki-Zo in Sadar Hills Protest Alleged Jiribam Massacre, Back KIJTN’s Call for CRPF Withdrawal

A massive wave of Kuki-Zo protestors filled the streets of Gamgiphai today, voicing deep anger and sorrow over the recent Jiribam massacre allegedly perpetrated by the CRPF. Thousands gathered under the banner of the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) Sadar Hills, chanting, “CRPF Down Down,” “We Want Justice,” and “We Are Indian, Not Terrorists,” as they demanded accountability and an end to what they call targeted violence against their community.

The demonstration was fueled by reports from Manipur police, who claimed eleven Kuki militants had been “neutralized” following an alleged attack on a CRPF post in Jakuradhor and the Borobekra Police Station in Jiribam. Protestors, however, accused the CRPF of conspiring with the Manipur police, armed Meitei groups, and the militant Arambai Tenggol, pointing to a series of brutal incidents as evidence of a coordinated campaign.

As the Kuki-Zo mass protest unfolded in Gamgiphai, another attack on Zairawn village in Jiribam by armed Meitei group was reported. Zairawn village was first attacked on the evening of November 7, leading to the brutal rape and burning of a 31-year-old school teacher, - a mother of three- leaving the community in shock and grief.

 They highlighted that during the November 7 attack on Zairawn village, the CRPF stood by as silent spectators, allowing the armed Meitei group to unleash a brutal assault on an innocent mother and the defenseless villagers—while showing force and bravery only against Kuki-Zo volunteers."

During the protest, the community observed a somber condolence ceremony along National Highway 2, lighting candles and laying flowers in tribute to the eleven Kuki-Zo volunteers who reportedly lost their lives. Pastors and religious leaders led prayers, invoking solace for the bereaved families and peace for a community shaken by loss and fear.

The demonstration coincided with a 24-hour shutdown imposed by CoTU, halting all business activities, schools, and government institutions. Only essential services were exempt, and vehicles along the highway were strictly restricted.

During the mass protest held by an outraged and grieving Kuki-Zo community in Gamgiphai, Ng. Lun Kipgen, spokesperson for the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), alleged suspicious behavior by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) surrounding the recent massacre in Jiribam.

Kipgen pointed out, “We have trained our volunteers never to raise their guns against central security forces. This stance has been known to the central government and the entire world since the majority community's onslaught began on May 3.”

He recounted that, following the brutal killing of Kuki woman Zosangkim Hmar by armed Meitei militants on the evening of November 7, Kuki volunteers pursued the perpetrators. Upon learning that these individuals were being sheltered inside a specific police station in Jiribam, the volunteers demanded that the militants be handed over. CRPF officers reportedly assured them that the militants would be surrendered if the volunteers disarmed. Trusting the CRPF and adhering to their longstanding respect for central security forces, the Kuki volunteers complied. However, according to Kipgen, the CRPF, allegedly colluding with armed Meitei militants and state police, then opened fire on the unarmed volunteers, killing them.

Kipgen stated that, following this incident, the community would reconsider its previous stance of not directing arms at the CRPF, as trust had been “severely betrayed by the CRPF's actions.”

Addressing Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Kipgen reminded him of the government's decision to replace the Assam Rifles, which had maintained neutrality for the past year, with the CRPF—a move he characterized as appeasement to the majority community. “This is why the Kuki-Zo community resisted the relocation of the Assam Rifles. Now, we see the tragic consequences of that decision,” he said.

Kipgen strongly condemned the replacement of the Assam Rifles, a trusted and neutral force, with the CRPF, blaming it for the recent escalation of violence. “This shift in security forces was not a move toward peace,” Kipgen declared. “It was an act of appeasement to the majority community—an act that has cost us lives and shattered a fragile calm.”

He called on Home Minister Amit Shah to reverse the decision, insisting that peace can only be achieved by reinstalling Assam Rifles in critical areas such as Churachandpur and Kangpokpi. “If the government genuinely seeks peace, it must act now by restoring the neutrality and stability that Assam Rifles provided,” Kipgen urged, to strong support from the crowd.

Underlining the gravity of the situation, Kipgen reiterated the community's demand: “We want Assam Rifles back,” as he described the deteriorating conditions since the CRPF’s deployment.

Kipgen also voiced support for a recent statement by Kuki Inpi Jiribam, Tamenglong, and Noney, which issued a three-day ultimatum for the CRPF’s withdrawal from the area. “The CoTU and the Sadar Hills Kuki-Zo community stand resolute behind this demand,” he affirmed. “The central government must act—peace and justice cannot wait.”

In a final, pointed message to national media outlets, Kipgen accused mainstream coverage of biased reporting. He urged journalists to visit the region directly, rather than relying on what he described as “biased” reports from the Manipur police. “If you want to understand this crisis, stop listening to one-sided accounts. Send correspondents here. This is journalism’s duty and responsibility,” he said.

Kipgen’s call for action serves as a stark reminder that the crisis in Manipur remains unresolved, with mounting tensions and diminishing trust in government intervention. The Kuki-Zo community now awaits a response, hoping for decisive action to prevent further bloodshed and pave the way for lasting peace.

Meanwhile, condemning the Jiribam massacre, the Kuki Inpi Jiribam, Tamenglong, and Noney (KIJTN) stated that the volunteers were killed in a "cold-blooded murder" despite having peacefully approached security forces.

The organization explained that the volunteers approached the CRPF and Manipur Police at Jakuradhor Police Station, demanding that the perpetrators of the Zairon incident be handed over to them. However, during a period of relaxed dialogue, the volunteers were fired upon without provocation, resulting in the tragic loss of lives.

In light of these events, KIJTN raised questions about the role of the CRPF, citing their failure to intervene in the burning of Zairon village and criticizing their response to the volunteers' presence.

The organization demanded a thorough investigation by a central agency to determine the accountability of all parties involved.

Additionally, KIJTN called for the immediate withdrawal of CRPF personnel from all Kuki-Zo villages in Jiribam, citing a loss of trust and a growing sense of insecurity among villagers. The organization further demanded the removal of Meetei militants, including the proscribed UNLF, who, they allege, are being sheltered under the guise of peace talks with the central government.