Kuki Inpi Condemns Harassment of Villagers During Security Operations in Leilon Vaiphei; CoTU Imposed Emergency Shutdown

The Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), the apex body of the Kuki tribes, has strongly condemned what it described as the continuous harassment of innocent civilians and the systematic violation of individual rights by Central Security Forces during ongoing combing operations in Kuki-Zo inhabited areas.

In a statement issued on Saturday, KIM alleged that recent actions by security forces in Leilon Vaiphei and neighbouring villages have subjected residents to intimidation and hardship, describing the operations as “completely unacceptable and antithetical to democratic governance.”

According to the organisation, security personnel have surrounded Leilon Vaiphei village and imposed what it termed a military-style lockdown. KIM alleged that forces have been conducting aggressive house-to-house searches and treating civilians as suspects rather than protecting a community already affected by armed aggression.

The Kuki apex body claimed that women, children, students, and elderly residents have been subjected to fear and intimidation during the operations.

“The collective voice and mandated rights of the Kuki people cannot be permanently ignored,” the statement said, warning that continued neglect of the community’s concerns and suppression of its people could have serious and far-reaching consequences.

KIM further stated that the alleged harassment comes at a time when the Kuki-Zo community is facing an existential crisis and enduring what it described as a month-long economic blockade imposed by the United Naga Council (UNC).

The Kuki Inpi accused the authorities of failing to ensure the free movement of essential supplies while simultaneously carrying out intensive security operations in civilian-populated areas. It argued that such actions have worsened the suffering of the community and violated constitutional rights to life, dignity, and survival.

Calling for the impartial application of the rule of law, KIM demanded an immediate halt to what it termed civilian harassment, psychological intimidation, and cordon-and-search operations in peaceful Kuki-Zo villages.

The Kuki Inpi also urged the authorities to deploy security personnel to clear blockaded National Highways and ensure the uninterrupted transportation of food, medicine, and other essential commodities to affected areas.

“Peace cannot be achieved through selective policing, intimidation, or double standards,” KIM stated, alleging that while armed groups continue to operate along key logistical routes, security forces have focused their attention on unarmed villagers.

KIM appealed to the Government of India and law enforcement agencies to reassess their operational approach, uphold constitutional principles, and ensure equal protection under the law, warning that continued administrative neglect could lead to irreversible consequences.

Meanwhile, as a mark of protest against the continuing violence and perceived failure to ensure justice and security, the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) imposed an Emergency Bandh/Shutdown along National Highway-2 (NH-2) and National Highway-37 (NH-37) with immediate effect from 4:00 PM on Sunday, 21 June 2026, until further notice.

Medical emergencies, Ambulances and Humanitarian Relief Activities shall be exempted from the purview of the bandh, CoTU said. It also appeals to the public to maintain peace, discipline, and restraint during the course of the protest.

Stating that CoTU remains committed to protecting the rights, security, and dignity of the Kuki-Zo people, it urged the Central Government to act decisively, impartially, and without delay to prevent further loss of innocent lives.