Kuki Inpi Manipur Condemns Arrest of Seven Villagers

The Kuki Inpi Manipur, the apex body representing Kuki tribes in Manipur, has condemned the arrest of seven villagers from Kholen village, including a church leader, by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in Kangpokpi district.

In a statement, the Kuki apex body described the detentions as arbitrary and called for the immediate release of the villagers. The statement comes amid heightened tensions in the area following the reported killing of six Kuki villagers, including two women, by cadres of the NSCN (IM). According to the apex body, another woman who was injured in the incident later succumbed to her injuries.

The Kuki Inpi Manipur alleged that authorities had failed to take adequate action against those responsible for the killings and said the victims and their families continued to face security threats. It described the situation as evidence of what it termed "systemic injustice" against the Kuki community.

The apex body also alleged that security forces used excessive force against civilians who were protesting over security and other basic rights. It claimed that live ammunition was used during the protests and that several vehicles were vandalised, including a vehicle belonging to journalist Kaybie Chongloi.

The Kuki Inpi Manipur called on the concerned district authorities to investigate the alleged use of force, address the detention of the villagers and provide compensation for property it says was damaged during the incident.

The Kuki Inpi further warned that any additional actions against civilians that it considers arbitrary or unlawful could lead to further protests and resistance from the Kuki community.