Kuki Inpi Manipur demands immediate release of SoO cadres

The Kuki Inpi Manipur has demanded immediate release of eight cadres belonging to the Kuki Liberation Organisation/Kuki Liberation Army (KLO/KLA), a recognised signatory operating within the binding framework of the tripartite Suspension of Operations (SoO).

The Kuki Inpi Manipur also demands the immediate initiation of an independent, transparent, and impartial inquiry into the circumstances and alleged procedural lapses that led to the incident and the restoration of the registered arms to the designated framework are essential to restoring confidence and maintaining institutional trust.

Taking strong exception to what it called ‘serious breach of the prevailing peace and understanding between the security forces and the SoO groups’, KIM stated that the recent detention of eight cadres belonging to KLO/KLA, a recognised signatory operating within the binding framework of the tripartite SoO Agreement, together with the seizure of seven registered and state-monitored automatic firearms, is deeply concerning and has the potential to erode institutional trust and create serious distrust and misunderstanding.

The Kuki Inpi Manipur issued a release on Tuesday stating that it considers such unilateral action by the security forces to be inconsistent with the spirit and established understanding underpinning the SoO arrangement.

KIM stated that “any action involving Suspension of Operation signatories must be undertaken strictly in accordance with the agreed framework, established protocols, and applicable law”.

The Kuki Inpi Manipur further maintains that matters concerning the custody and investigation of the detained individuals must remain within the jurisdiction of the Kangpokpi district authorities, in accordance with established legal procedures.

Any attempt to remove or transfer the detainees beyond their lawful jurisdiction, without due legal process and proper authorisation, would constitute a serious departure from established procedure and further undermine public confidence in the administration of justice, stated the release

KIM stated that it views with utmost gravity the alleged disproportionate use of force against civil society during the incident. Reports of the indiscriminate use of crowd-control munitions and live ammunition against civilians, resulting in widespread injuries requiring emergency medical treatment, are deeply disturbing.

“The use of force by state authorities must at all times remain lawful, necessary, proportionate, and consistent with constitutional guarantees and applicable human-rights standards. The authorities concerned must conduct a thorough investigation and ensure accountability for any excessive or unlawful use of force”. KIM stated.

The Kuki body calls upon the highest offices of the Union Government to take immediate corrective measures, and prevent further actions that could undermine the existing understanding between the parties.