KIM Slams ‘Selective Justice,’ Demands Killers’ Arrest, Immediate Hostage Release; Warns Against Security Operations in Kuki-Zo Areas

The Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), the apex body representing the Kuki-Zo people, vehemently condemned what it termed as “relentless persecution” of the Kuki-Zo community and accused both the state government and security apparatus of deliberately ignoring its Charter of Demands while failing to deliver justice over a series of grave atrocities.

KIM Information Secretary, Janghaolun Haokip said it was “deeply disturbing” that despite the prolonged struggle of the Kuki-Zo people for justice, the government has continued to remain indifferent to the legitimate political and humanitarian demands raised by the organisation.

Haokip expressed outrage over the absence of arrests in connection with the “barbaric killing” of Kuki-Zo church leaders, calling the inaction a glaring example of selective justice and institutional apathy, raising alarm over the fate of 14 Kuki-Zo individuals allegedly held captive by Naga groups in Senapati district, describing the situation as deeply unsettling and unacceptable.

Strongly condemning the ongoing combing operations being carried out in Kuki-Zo inhabited areas, Haokip asserted that such actions, instead of targeting the actual perpetrators behind killings and abductions, have only intensified fear, insecurity and trauma among innocent civilians.

Accusing state agencies of enforcing “selective justice,” he said the continued security crackdowns in Kuki-Zo regions, while perpetrators of heinous crimes remain untouched, expose a dangerous bias that threatens the safety and dignity of the community.

“It is the duty of the State and security forces to identify those responsible for the barbaric killings, bring them to justice, and ensure the immediate, safe and unconditional release of all hostages,” Haokip asserted.

The Kuki Inpi leader warned that unless these fundamental conditions are fulfilled, any “unjustified” combing or military-style operations launched by state or central security forces in Kuki-Zo areas would face “strong opposition” from the Kuki-Zo people.

KIM’s statement comes amid escalating tensions, widespread anger and mounting uncertainty across the hill districts, as Kuki-Zo women throughout the region have intensified their resistance against ongoing security operations, describing them as “selective injustice.”

Since the evening of May 17, Kuki-Zo women across Sadar Hills in Kangpokpi district have reportedly launched round-the-clock vigil and resistance duties in their respective areas to oppose any security operations, which they view as a manifestation of systemic injustice and targeted suppression against the Kuki-Zo community.