Kuki Bodies Decry Arrest of Kuki Inpi Tengnoupal's Spokesperson

A wave of condemnation has swept across the Kuki-Zo civil society in response to the arrest of Thangminlen Mate, spokesperson of the Kuki Inpi Tengnoupal, by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in connection with the January 17, 2024 attack on the IRB post at Moreh.

In unified outrage, multiple Kuki organizations — including the Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights (KWOHR), Kuki Chiefs’ Association, Kuki Students' Organization, and various Moreh-based bodies — have condemned the arrest as arbitrary, unjustified, and politically motivated.

The Kuki Inpi Manipur, the apex body of the Kuki people, stated that Mate’s arrest is a clear violation of constitutional rights and part of a broader pattern of political persecution and state-sponsored harassment targeting the Kuki-Zo community.

“Mate is not affiliated with any unlawful organization,” said Janghaolun Haokip, Secretary of Information & Publicity, KIM. “He is a respected figure known for his commitment to democratic principles, peace-building, and the articulation of the Kuki-Zo people's grievances. His arrest lacks legal basis and appears to be a targeted attempt to silence legitimate voices.”

The Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights echoed the same sentiment, questioning the inconsistency in the application of justice.

“In the face of unchecked violence in the Imphal valley — including police station attacks and the looting of over 6,000 weapons — there has been no comparable action taken,” said Kimneihoi Lhungdim, General Secretary of KWOHR. “Instead, the law is now being weaponized against those who dare to speak out. The arrest of Mate reflects a dangerous trend of criminalizing civilian leaders and misusing investigative agencies.”

The Kuki Chiefs’ Association (Tengnoupal), Kuki Students’ Organization, Moreh Hill Tribal Council, and other Moreh-based civil society groups issued a joint statement condemning the “arbitrary detention” of Mate, who was taken into custody from Ngoupa Village, Aizawl, Mizoram, on May 18.

“These allegations in the FIR lack merit and are based on mere suspicion. The authorities must ensure fair verification before taking coercive action,” said Ngamkholun Kipgen, Chairman of the Kuki Chiefs’ Association, Moreh Block. “The pattern is clear — vocal Kuki-Zo leaders are being targeted for their expression and involvement in peace efforts.”

The joint communique pointed to what they describe as a double standard in the government’s approach: while Meitei civil society groups and individuals implicated in inflammatory or violent actions face little to no accountability, Kuki-Zo leaders are being subjected to arrests based on unproven allegations.

“It is unjust to ignore the calls for FIRs against those responsible for genocidal campaigns against the Kuki-Zo community while choosing to prosecute peaceful leaders like Mate,” said Victor Limthang, President of the Moreh Hill Tribal Council.

The organizations unanimously called for the immediate and unconditional release of Thangminlen Mate and warned that continued persecution of Kuki-Zo voices threatens the fabric of Indian democracy.

“The right to dissent, to speak for one’s community, and to engage in democratic dialogue is being eroded. This arrest sets a dangerous precedent and must be reversed,” said Lalrithsang Hmar of the Kuki Students’ Organisation.

Civil society representatives urged the Central Government and investigative agencies to uphold the rule of law impartially and ensure that justice is not tainted by ethnic or political bias.

“We stand united in defense of our leaders, our rights, and our constitutional protections,” the joint statement concluded.