Kuki-Zo Women Demand Supreme Court-Monitored Investigation into Alleged Extra-Judicial Killings by Assam Police

The Kuki-Zo Women's organizations have called for the immediate intervention of Union Home Minister Amit Shah to initiate a Supreme Court-monitored Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the alleged extra-judicial killings of three youths from the Kuki-Zo community by the Assam Police.

In a memorandum submitted to the Home Minister, the Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights and the Hmar Women Association highlighted the deaths of Lallungawi Hmar (21), Lalbiekkung Hmar (33), and K. Joshua Lalrinsang (35), who were killed in what the organizations claim was a staged encounter by the Assam Police in Cachar district on 16th July 2024.

The memorandum details several grave violations of fundamental and human rights, asserting that the Assam Police criminalized the youths without trial and failed to follow due process. Key points of the memorandum include:

Unclear Charges and Arrest Procedures: The organizations state that it remains unclear under which section of the law the deceased were arrested and subsequently killed. The police allegedly did not inform the individuals of the reason for their arrest, violating Article 22(1) of the Constitution.

Failure to Produce Before Magistrate: The Assam Police did not produce the deceased before a magistrate within 24 hours, violating legal procedures and keeping the individuals in police custody unlawfully.

Lack of Notification to Families: Families of the deceased were not informed about the arrests, learning of the deaths through social media, which violates Article 22(2) of the Constitution.

Denied Legal Aid: The deceased were allegedly denied their right to consult legal aid, despite spending the night at the police station.

Contradictory Evidence: Videos circulating on the internet show the youths cooperating with the police and later being harassed while blindfolded and with their hands tied. This evidence contradicts police claims that the deaths occurred during a cross-fire exchange with militants.

Violation of Fundamental Rights: The memorandum highlights that the victims were denied the right to equality and a fair trial, protected under Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution.

The Kuki-Zo women are urging the formation of a Supreme Court-led SIT to ensure an impartial investigation, citing concerns about potential threats or bribes that could influence the outcome if handled by local authorities. They emphasize that a Supreme Court-monitored investigation would maintain the integrity and credibility of the process and act as a deterrent against similar abuses of power by police forces across the country.

The memorandum concludes with a plea for justice for the victims and their families, asserting that protecting citizens from unethical activities and abuse of power is essential for maintaining a constitutional democracy. The organizations express confidence in a positive response from the Home Minister, highlighting his empathy for vulnerable sections of society, including Scheduled Tribes.

In connection with the alleged fake encounter, a mass rally protesting against the alleged fake encounter was held across various Kuki-Zo settlements today. The rally held under the aegis of Kuki Women Organization for Human Rights (KWOHR) and Hmar Women Association (HWA) was held at Lamka (Churachandpur), Jiribam, Chandel District and NC Hills in Assam.

In Lamka, the protest rally begins at Moulvaiphei ground at around 10:00 AM and concluded at the Wall of Remembrance Site in Tuibong Peace Ground. The protestors held various placards such as ‘Human Rights Matters, No to Fake Encounter,” “Justice for the Victims, Accountability for the Killers,” etc. The protestors also demanded an Independent Judicial Inquiry to the matter.