Kuki Human Rights Group Urge Manipur Governor to Transfer Myanmar Kuki Detainees, Release Two Held Beyond Sentence

The Kuki Organization for Human Rights Trust (KOHUR) has submitted an urgent appeal to Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Balla, seeking the immediate release of two Kuki detainees of Myanmar origin who have reportedly completed their prison terms but continue to be held at Imphal Central Jail.

In a formal letter addressed to the Governor, KOHUR Chairman H.S. Benjamin Mate also requested the transfer of over 64 Kuki Myanmar nationals — currently lodged in Imphal Central Jail — to temporary prisons located in Kuki-majority districts such as Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, and Tengnoupal.

The request comes in light of ongoing ethnic tensions in Manipur, with the organization emphasizing the detainees’ shared ethnic, linguistic, and cultural ties with the indigenous Kukis of the state. The Trust argued that continuing to keep them in Imphal poses serious humanitarian and constitutional concerns.

“Though they are nationals of a neighbouring country, these individuals belong to the same ethnic community as the indigenous Kukis of Manipur… they must be treated with equal regard and empathy,” the letter stated.

While Indian Kuki undertrials have reportedly been transferred as per previous government directives, the Myanmar nationals remain excluded from this process, the Trust said. The group described this disparity as unjust and called on the Governor to ensure equal protection for all detainees, regardless of nationality, under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees the right to life and personal liberty.

The continued detention of two individuals beyond their sentence was termed “unlawful and arbitrary,” and the Governor was urged to intervene immediately.

The Trust stressed that its appeal is based purely on humanitarian grounds, and called on authorities to act in accordance with fairness, equality before law, and the protection of vulnerable communities.