Kuki CSO Alleges “State Bias”, Questions Airlifting of Attackers in Manipur Violence

The Kuki CSO Working Committee, Ukhrul accused the Manipur government and the Centre of “differential treatment” in the handling of ongoing ethnic tensions, and raised serious questions over the reported airlifting of alleged attackers involved in the April 24 violence in Mulam village.

In a sharply critical statement, the committee condemned what it described as a “disturbing pattern of bias” against the Kuki community, particularly in Ukhrul district, alleging that state responses have failed to ensure equal protection under the law.

Referring to the April 24 incident, the committee claimed that two individuals — identified as Ramshang Kamodang and Shonshok Mahung — were involved in attacks on civilians and acts of arson in Mulam. It alleged that instead of being placed under custody, the accused were airlifted for medical treatment, raising questions over the use of state-linked infrastructure.

“The act of extending such facilities to alleged perpetrators, while victims continue to suffer, raises grave concerns about institutional neutrality,” the statement said, adding that evidence recovered from the site, including human remains, pointed to the severity of the violence.

The committee further alleged that Kuki-inhabited areas have been subjected to heightened aerial monitoring during episodes of violence, while adequate protection for civilians was lacking. It questioned the legal basis and uniformity of such measures across communities.

The Mulam incident reportedly left two civilians dead, nine others injured — including women and children — and at least sixteen houses destroyed, according to the statement.

Highlighting months of unrest, the committee said the Kuki community has endured “sustained aggression, mischaracterisation, and neglect,” while grievances remain largely unaddressed. It warned that the perceived disparity in state response has led to a “deep erosion of trust” and long-term trauma among affected populations.

“These actions raise fundamental concerns about whether the state has acted impartially or contributed to a perception of bias toward a politically stronger community,” the statement said.

The committee also questioned whether state resources, including security-linked helipads, were used in accordance with established legal standards and whether similar measures would be extended uniformly in comparable situations.

Reiterating its stance, the Kuki CSO Working Committee asserted that despite continued hardship, the community remains determined to defend its “lives, land, and dignity.”

There was no immediate response from the state government or security agencies regarding the allegations.