Kuki Organisation for Human Rights Trust  Condemns Inhumane Conditions at Senapati Temporary Jail

The Kuki Organisation for Human Rights Trust (KOHUR) has expressed deep anguish and strong condemnation over the "deplorable and inhumane conditions" prevailing in the Senapati Temporary Jail, which it says is operating under unacceptable standards of custodial care and basic human dignity.
In a release issued on Saturday, KOHUR expressed grave concern that inmates—many of them belonging to the Kuki-Zo tribal community—are being denied even the most basic human necessities, such as adequate food, potable water, sanitary facilities, and medical attention.

KOHUR stated that such conditions amount to gross custodial abuse and a direct breach of both Indian constitutional protections and international human rights standards.
Despite repeated appeals from civil society and human rights organisations regarding the need for dignified and lawful treatment of prisoners, the state authorities have demonstrated disturbing indifference and deliberate neglect, the release stated.

KOHUR claimed that the treatment of tribal prisoners in Senapati Jail highlights a wider pattern of institutional bias and discrimination being meted out to the Kuki-Zo people—especially since the eruption of targeted ethnic violence in Manipur after May 3, 2023.
"We are dismayed by the absence of any proactive intervention by the Manipur state administration. This silence and inaction are not only morally unacceptable but legally indefensible. Under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, every person—including those in custody—is entitled to the right to life and personal liberty, which includes the right to live with dignity," KOHUR stated.

The release added that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, to which India is a signatory, further reinforces the obligation to ensure humane treatment of detainees and the prohibition of degrading punishment or treatment.

KOHUR added that the fact a jail within a democratic country is allowed to operate under such primitive and degrading conditions raises deeply troubling questions about the collapse of the rule of law and accountability in the hill districts of Manipur.
The continued differential treatment of Kuki-Zo prisoners—both in legal process and custodial standards—exposes the deep structural discrimination and ethno-political targeting of tribal communities by institutions of the state, the release further stated.

KOHUR called upon the President of India and the Governor of Manipur to take suo motu cognizance of the violations and to intervene without delay. It also urged the Deputy Commissioner of Senapati District to immediately inspect the jail, ascertain conditions, and ensure emergency provision of food, water, and medical care.

The Manipur State Human Rights Commission and the National Human Rights Commission were also urged to conduct a full-fledged investigation, summon the concerned authorities, and publish the findings transparently.

Furthermore, KOHUR urged judicial authorities to monitor compliance with custodial care standards in line with Supreme Court judgments on prisoners' rights.