Sit-in Protest Held in Moreh Over Central Forces Brutality Against Kuki-Zo Women

A mass sit-in protest was held today in Moreh, a border town in Manipur, in response to the alleged brutality of central forces, including the CRPF and BSF, against Kuki-Zo women in Saibol Village, Lhungtin Sub-Division, Kangpokpi district. The protest was organized by Kuki Inpi Tengnoupal and took place at the Moreh Youth Club (MYC) campus.

The protestors condemned the excessive use of force by central forces, which led to severe injuries among several innocent Kuki-Zo women.

Thangminlen Mate, spokesperson of Kuki Inpi Tengnoupal, said that the central forces, who have sworn to protect the lives and land of innocent people, are now turning against those who are protecting their community and land from separatist Meitei militants and their VBIGs. The Kuki-Zo community respects the uniform of the central forces, not the personnel. If the CRPF and BSF want to side with the Meitei militants, they should come in plain clothes or in the uniform of the Meitei militants. The Kuki-Zo community will chase you down to the land of the Meiteis. He also advised the central forces not to misuse their uniforms.

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Teresa Lhingneikim, President of the Kuki Women Union & Human Rights Moreh, also denounced the violence, calling it "despicable" and unacceptable. She emphasized that the Kuki Women Union, as mothers, would not tolerate such actions and demanded accountability for those involved. She urged the central government to take action against the personnel responsible for harassing and assaulting the Kuki-Zo women during the incident.

In addition to these leaders, Kaikholal Haokip, President of the Hill Tribal Council Moreh, and Seikhojang Baite, President of the Kuki Chief Association Tengnoupal, also spoke out, reiterating their condemnation of the brutality faced by the Kuki-Zo women at Saibol.

The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) has extended the shutdown in Kangpokpi district by an additional 24 hours as part of the protest, while an indefinite blockade along National Highway-2 continues in opposition to the presence of central forces in the region.

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The Kuki community has long been calling for the removal of the CRPF and BSF from their area, alleging that these forces have been aligning with Meitei militants and radical groups. The community views the presence of these forces as a significant threat to their safety and security.