Ahead of Nationwide Rally, KIM Hits Out at Government Inaction Over 14 Kuki-Zo Hostages

Ahead of its nationwide rally on May 30, the Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), the apex body of the Kuki tribes in Manipur, vehemently condemned the continued detention of 14 Kuki-Zo individuals allegedly held hostage in Senapati district, accusing the authorities of “blatant failure” and inaction despite the seriousness of the situation.

KIM termed the captivity of the 14 innocent Kuki-Zo individuals for nearly a month a “terrorist act” and expressed deep concern over what it described as the inability of the government and security agencies to secure the safe release of the detainees.

According to KIM, the detainees were initially expected to be safely escorted to Kangpokpi district. However, they were allegedly intercepted and forcibly taken hostage by members of the Senapati District Students’ Association (SDSA), reportedly in the presence and knowledge of the Naga People’s Organisation (NPO), while police personnel were also present at the location.

The organisation stated that an FIR had already been lodged regarding the illegal detention and hostage-taking of the Kuki-Zo civilians, but alleged that no concrete action had been initiated either by the government or law enforcement agencies against those directly involved.

KIM further claimed that seven trucks and one Alto car connected to the case remain untraced, asserting that tracking the movement and whereabouts of the vehicles could provide crucial leads regarding the location of the hostages.

“The continued failure to trace these vehicles or take visible action, despite the filing of an FIR, raises serious concerns about the sincerity and urgency of the investigation,” the statement said.

The organisation also questioned what it called a “glaring disparity” in the manner investigations and arrests are being conducted in different cases linked to the ongoing ethnic unrest in Manipur.

It alleged that while four persons had reportedly been arrested in connection with the disappearance of six Naga individuals, no arrest had been made in connection with the killing of three Kuki-Zo church leaders, despite widespread outrage over the incident.

“Such selective action and unequal application of the law sends a dangerous message and seriously undermines public confidence in the neutrality and fairness of law enforcement agencies,” KIM said, adding that justice “cannot be community-specific.”

The organisation warned that continued inaction and what it termed “selective justice” could further aggravate the already fragile situation in the region and erode public trust in the authorities.

KIM reiterated its demand for immediate intervention to rescue the hostages and ensure impartial enforcement of the rule of law across all communities.