Kuki CSOs in Tengnoupal Call Out Targeted Hate Speech Against Kuki-Zo Community

Several civil society organisations in Tengnoupal district have issued a strong statement condemning what they describe as continued hate speech and hostility directed at the Kuki-Zo community, amid ongoing ethnic tensions in the state.

The groups—including the Kuki Chief Association, Molnoi Area Welfare Council, Hill Tribal Council (Moreh), Kuki Students Organisation, and Kuki Women Union & Human Rights—said they were compelled to clarify their position in response to alleged inflammatory rhetoric circulating in the valley.

In their joint statement, the organisations claimed that such rhetoric undermines prospects for peaceful coexistence between communities. They further argued that recent narratives and slogans attributed to sections of the Meitei community have deepened mistrust and reinforced their long-standing demand for a separate administrative arrangement. The world is watching the OPEN SLOGAN "KUKI TUMNA HATLO/HATSE (Lets annihilate all the Kukis) and "Give our arms back to annihilate the Kukis in 5 days" and the various wrong narratives of the Meiteis justifies our demand for total separation as peaceful co-existence is no more possible.

Reiterating their stance, the groups stated that the Kuki-Zo people in Tengnoupal district remain firm in seeking separate administration, asserting that peace and development initiatives would not be acceptable if they compromise this demand.

The organisations also announced non-cooperation with representatives of the state government, while calling for stricter enforcement of buffer zones to prevent further escalation of tensions.

At the same time, they acknowledged the role of central security forces in maintaining relative stability in sensitive areas and urged increased deployment in hill regions and along buffer zones.

The statement concluded with a message of unity among the Kuki-Zo community, affirming their determination to continue their movement and oppose any actions perceived as harmful to their interests.

Manipur has been grappling with ethnic unrest for months, with periodic incidents of violence and heightened tensions between communities posing challenges to peace and governance in the region.