KHRC Pushes Back Against Allegations, Reaffirms Commitment to Human Rights and Constitutional Advocacy

The Kuki Human Rights Council (KHRC) has categorically rejected allegations accusing the organisation of fomenting communal hatred in Manipur, terming such claims baseless, misleading, and devoid of factual merit. The clarification comes in response to a letter dated January 15, 2026, submitted by Muzamil Khan, State Director, International Federation (NITI AAYOG & MSME, Government of India), to the National Human Rights Commission of India (NHRC).

In a strongly worded press release issued on Saturday, KHRC asserted that its core mandate remains the protection of tribal rights, safeguarding of ancestral land, and preservation of life, dignity, and fundamental freedoms of the Kuki people, in strict adherence to the Indian Constitution. The organisation firmly denied any role in exacerbating hostility between the Kuki and Meitei communities, stating that such allegations deliberately misrepresent its human rights work.

KHRC clarified that its public stance supporting a separate administrative arrangement for the Kuki community is a constitutionally guaranteed democratic demand arising from prolonged insecurity, systemic discrimination, and the failure of governance during the ongoing ethnic crisis. The organisation reiterated that it is neither anti-Meitei nor opposed to any community, but remains uncompromising in its opposition to human rights violations, injustice, and sexual violence against women.

Addressing the controversy surrounding the National Register of Citizens (NRC), KHRC explained that its statement was made solely in response to remarks by Arambai Tenggol leader Korounganba Khuman, and not directed at the Manipur government. KHRC maintained that any decision regarding NRC implementation in Kuki-inhabited areas must arise from the free will of the local population, and cannot be imposed externally. The organisation categorically rejected attempts to blame it for the territorial or social fragmentation of Manipur, stating that the violent events of May 3, 2023, irreversibly deepened the divide between communities.

On the issue of organisational registration, KHRC stated that it was formed amidst the most volatile phase of the ethnic conflict, and ongoing instability has made formal registration procedurally impossible. The council underscored the grim humanitarian toll of the crisis, citing over 260 deaths and displacement of more than 60,000 people, largely from tribal areas, since May 2023.

KHRC firmly denied any actions or statements aimed at derailing peace efforts or undermining fundamental human rights. Instead, it called for an independent and impartial investigation into the allegations and urged the National Human Rights Commission of India to objectively assess KHRC’s contributions toward protecting vulnerable communities and advocating justice in Manipur.

Reaffirming its resolve, KHRC stated that it remains committed to engaging with all stakeholders to restore trust, ensure accountability, and work toward geographical and communal harmony, while prioritizing the protection of life, dignity, and human rights of all affected populations.