KSO Delhi & NCR Demands Justice for Slain Church Leaders, Release of 14 Hostages

The Kuki Students’ Organisation Delhi & NCR on Saturday strongly condemned what it described as the ongoing persecution and targeted victimisation of the Kuki-Zo people in Manipur, while demanding justice for the killing of three church leaders, the immediate release of 14 alleged hostages, and an expedited political solution to the ongoing crisis.

Addressing a press conference in solidarity with the nationwide rally organised by Kuki Inpi Manipur on May 30, KSO Delhi & NCR expressed concern over the continued insecurity faced by the Kuki-Zo community more than three years after the outbreak of ethnic violence in Manipur.

The organisation alleged that the Kuki-Zo people continue to face attacks, displacement, destruction of homes and places of worship, intimidation, and denial of justice. It said the failure to ensure security and accountability has deepened mistrust and insecurity within the community.

KSO Delhi & NCR strongly condemned the killing of three Thadou-Kuki church leaders on May 13, 2026, who were reportedly ambushed while travelling in two vehicles.

The organisation described the incident as a grave attack on humanity, peace, and religious freedom, and expressed disappointment over the absence of arrests despite public outrage over the incident.

It called on the Government of India to immediately identify and apprehend those responsible, conduct a time-bound investigation through competent central agencies, take action against all individuals and groups involved, and provide compensation and support to the bereaved families.

The student body also raised concern over the continued detention of 14 Kuki-Zo individuals in Senapati district, describing their confinement as a violation of human rights and a failure of law and order. It urged the authorities to ensure their safe, immediate, and unconditional release and sought criminal proceedings against those responsible for the alleged abduction and detention.

Highlighting the broader impact of the conflict, KSO Delhi & NCR said thousands have been displaced, hundreds of villages destroyed, and numerous churches and institutions damaged since the violence began. The organisation further alleged a pattern of selective justice, claiming that cases involving Kuki-Zo victims have not received adequate attention from authorities.

Calling for lasting peace, the organisation urged the Government of India to strengthen security in Kuki-Zo inhabited areas, prevent further violence, dismantle armed groups involved in ethnic attacks, ensure humanitarian access, and uphold constitutional rights without discrimination.

On the political front, KSO Delhi & NCR reiterated its demand for an early resolution of the Kuki-Zo political issue and urged the Centre to expedite dialogue with the Suspension of Operations (SoO) groups. It stated that a constitutional and durable political arrangement is necessary to guarantee the safety, dignity, and aspirations of the Kuki-Zo people.

Concluding the press conference, the organisation said the Kuki-Zo people are seeking justice, equal protection under the Constitution, security, and the right to live in peace and dignity, while urging the Government of India to act with urgency to address the ongoing crisis.