The Manipur Police have registered an FIR against Paojakhup Guite, President of the Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO), Delhi & NCR, after a video surfaced on social media allegedly showing him warning members of the Meitei community against crossing buffer zones to attend the upcoming Shirui Lily Festival in Ukhrul. The FIR has triggered a massive political and civil backlash, with Kuki groups condemning the move as discriminatory and politically motivated.
Manipur Police have confirmed that raids are being conducted across districts, and security forces from neighbouring states—Mizoram, Assam, Nagaland, and Meghalaya—have been requested to assist in Guite’s apprehension.
Meanwhile, organisers of the Shirui Festival have assured that necessary security measures are being taken to ensure the safety of attendees amidst the volatile atmosphere.
In a strongly worded statement, the Kuki Organisation for Human Rights Trust (KOHUR) condemned the FIR, calling it an “arbitrary and discriminatory act of state repression.” The organisation argues that Mr. Guite’s remarks were aimed at highlighting the risks of Meitei groups encroaching upon sensitive buffer zones amid ongoing ethnic tensions—not inciting violence.
KOHUR further raised the issue of selective enforcement of the law, pointing out the state's inaction against several Meitei figures—including Prof. Premananda, who allegedly made genocidal remarks against Kukis in a televised address. “This disparity in response highlights institutional bias and exposes the misuse of state machinery,” the statement read.
The group also referenced the Supreme Court of India’s past observations on the breakdown of law and order in Manipur, arguing that such persecution undermines both legal principles and prospects for peace.
The Kuki Students’ Organisation, Churachandpur, also released a statement condemning the FIR and potential arrest of Mr. Guite. The group emphasized that Guite has consistently advocated for peaceful protest and raised awareness about systemic marginalisation of the Kuki community.
They labelled the police action “a blatant attempt to silence dissent and suppress uncomfortable truths.” The organisation also accused the state of turning a blind eye toward inflammatory actions and hate speech by Meitei leaders, artists, and political figures—despite multiple FIRs lodged against them.
The Village Volunteers Coordinating Committee (VVCC) expressed “deep shock” over what it called a “manhunt” against Guite, warning of strong retaliation if he is arrested. The group reiterated that the Kuki community does not oppose the Shirui Festival itself, but insists that any movement across buffer zones amid unresolved tensions could spark renewed violence.
“VVCC firmly warns that any arrest of Guite by the Manipur Police will prompt us to undertake strong and appropriate measures in response, including action against the Manipur Police Department.”
VVCC also demanded urgent political dialogue and reiterated its call for a separate administrative arrangement for the Kuki people. “Without a political resolution, forced interactions across ethnic lines only deepen mistrust and risk violence,” their statement warned.
The Hills Journal
K. Salbung, Churachandpur
Manipur-795128
