Various Women Groups Condemn Central Security Forces' Highhandedness in Saibol Village

Various Kuki women groups have strongly condemned the actions of the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) in Saibol-Twichin, Lhungtin sub-division, Kangpokpi District, on December 31, 2024.

The Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights (KWOHR) in a statement vehemently condemns the brutal and unjust actions carried out by the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) personnel in Saibol-Twichin areas, Lhungtin sub-division, Kangpokpi District, on the morning of December 31, 2024. The attack targeted innocent Kuki women who were peacefully protesting against the increasing violence activities perpetrated by adversary community and insecurity caused by these forces.

“It is deeply troubling that these central security forces, entrusted with maintaining peace and order, have instead engaged in actions that exacerbate the suffering of the Kuki-Zo community. These forces, present in the region are meant to safeguard buffer zones, contrary to the assignment, they have overstepped their mandate and acted with extreme bias, targeting Kuki civilians and causing undue harm. The Indiscriminate damage to the Kuki-Zo people at this juncture is highly objectionable.”

The KWOHR in the strongest possible terms condemns the actions of the CAPF personnel in this incident, particularly the physical assault and molestation on Kuki women, including the tearing of their clothing and the use of excessive force in the form of lathi charges and firing of tear gas on unarmed innocent Kuki women. Such acts of violence against women are not only inhumane but are also a violation of the fundamental principles of democracy, equality, and justice.

The high-handedness and excessive use of force by the CAPF on 31 December have caused numerous casualties among innocent protesting Kuki women: 1) Nemmoiching Guite (22), 2) Lhingneikim Touthang (29), 3) Lhingneilam Guite (45), 4) Veilhing Haolai (60) 5) Lhingnem Hangshing (50), 6) Hoichin Khongsai, 7) Lamneimoi Doungel (22), 8) Nengjalam Haolai (45), 9) Nenei Khongsai (26), 10) Mary Guite 11) Phalkhotin Porte (45), 12) Nemneithem Touthang (30), 13) Esther Baite, 14) Neneng Mate, 15) Nemneilhing Haokip (25), 16) Ngaikholhing Khongsai (45), 17) Vahshi Baite 18) Tingboi Khongsal.

Furthermore, the KWOHR raises serious concerns about the lack of accountability and transparency in the actions of these forces. While the region has witnessed heinous violence, including arson and attacks by Meitei radical mobs, central security forces were conspicuously absent during these crucial moments of need. Now, when the Kuki-Zo village volunteers have taken measures to secure their communities, the aggressive and unwarranted actions of the CAPF suggest a clear bias and an intention to undermine the self-defense efforts of the villagers.

Demanding a full and impartial investigation into the events of December 31, 2024, and a call for immediate action against those responsible for the violence, the KWOHR urges the government to hold these security personnel accountable under the law, ensuring that justice is served for the victims.

The Kuki people, particularly the women, have repeatedly shown immense courage in the face of adversity, and their right to protect their homes, families, and dignity must not be infringed upon. The growing distrust in the central security forces is a direct result of their failure to protect the vulnerable and their complicity in perpetuating violence in the region. The KWOHR stands firm in its call for justice, human rights, and the immediate cessation of any actions that threaten the safety and well-being of innocent civilians.

The KWOHR will continue to stand with the people at Saibol-Twichin areas and all affected Kuki communities in the struggle for peace, justice, and accountability, it added.

Meanwhile, the Kuki-Zo Women's Forum Delhi also strongly condemns the ongoing brutality against Kuki-Zo women by the Central Armed Forces In Salbol, Manipur. This systemic violence, which follows months of relentless attacks by Meitel terrorists, has further escalated since Christmas Eve when Meltei terrorists began attacking Kuki-Zo areas, including Saibol, Twichin, Sinam Kom, and Phalmol. As a result, Kuki-Zo families have been denied the opportunity to celebrate Christmas, and their livelihoods have been severely disrupted.

Adding insult to injury, instead of protecting the Kuki-Zo community, the Central Armed Forces have sided with the Meitei terrorists. In an appalling display of injustice, they conducted combing operations in Kuki-Zo areas, targeting the very people they are meant to protect. Rather than arresting Meitel terrorists, the Central Armed Forces have been chasing away Village Volunteers who have been standing guard to protect their communities.

In a blatant act of oppression, Kuki-Zo women who dared to protest this unjust move were met with unimaginable brutality by the Central Armed Forces. Tear gas was used, many were manhandled, physically assaulted, and molested. Some women were even left unconscious as a result of this violent suppression. It is distressing to witness how the Central Armed Forces, who are supposed to safeguard the people, have turned against the very community they were entrusted to protect.

What is even more appalling is the cowardice displayed by the Central Armed Forces when confronted by Meitel women, known as Meira Paibis. The recent ceaseless attack on Kuki Zo areas and their mishandling of Kuki Zo women has exposed the Central Armed Force's blatant bias and lack of accountability in the ongoing conflict.

We call on the relevant indian and intemational authorities to immediately investigate this grave situation, hold the perpetrators accountable, and ensure justice for Kuki-Zo women. The Kuki-Zo community deserves the protection of their rights, and we demand that the Central Armed Forces be held to the highest standards of human rights and accountability. This kind of brutality is unacceptable in any democratic society and must be condemned unequivocally.

The forum urged the Indian government, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the United Nations, and human rights organizations to intervene and condemn the atrocities being committed against Kuki-Zo women in Saibol, Mampur. It is time for the world to witness the truth and stand with the oppressed.

In a separate statement, the Kuki Women Union General Headquarters said that reports of our mothers and women subjected to teargas firing and physical assault by the central forces, CRPF & BSF in particular, in the Saibol-Twichin region, Lhungtin Sub-Division, Kangpokpi district have surfaced, leaving a trail of pain and fear among innocent civilians.

The Kuki Women Union, General Headquarters (KWU-GHQ), strongly condemns the deplorable actions of Indian central forces, the CRPF & BSF in particular, against Kuki women in this region. This highhandedness, marked by brutality, intimidation, and blatant disregard for human dignity, stands as a grave violation of human rights and international norms.

The Kuki community, already reeling under incessant attacks from the secessionist Meitei terrorists aided by state police, commando & Arambai Terrorists has been further traumatized by these reprehensible acts targeting women, who are the backbone of our society. These actions not only undermine the principles of democracy and justice but also exacerbate the existing trust deficit between the central authorities and the Kuki community.

These happen in the backdrop of incessant attacks from secessionist Meitei community since the 24th of December, 2024, Christmas eve, disrupting our Christmas and beyond. We want to categorically make it clear that Saibol-Twichin is a Kuki region, beyond the Buffer Zones from Meitei side, manned by the central security forces. It is baffling that the central forces allowed Meiteis to group, plan, attack us crossing the Buffer Zones and when we act to protect ourselves, the Central Forces forcefully entered our land to destroy our bunkers and leave us defenceless.

The Union call upon the Indian government, human rights organizations, and the international community to take cognizance of these violations and act swiftly to ensure justice for the Kuki women and the community at large.

At last, if the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) is incapable of manning the Buffer Zones and prevent Meiteis from attacking us, even after more than 19 long months, they should abandon the Buffer Zones so that our volunteers can take necessary steps to protect us.