Kuki-Zo Council Slams ‘Arbitrary’ Arrests by Central Agencies, Demands Immediate Release of Detainees; KWOHR Holds Emergency Meeting

The Kuki-Zo Council has issued a strong statement condemning what it describes as the arbitrary and targeted arrests of Kuki-Zo individuals by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with the ongoing ethnic conflict in Manipur.

Calling the arrests "unacceptable" and "selective," the Council accused the central agencies of disproportionately targeting Kuki-Zo individuals while ignoring the actions of Meitei armed groups allegedly responsible for instigating the violence that erupted on May 3, 2023.

"We did not choose this war," the Council said. "Our villages were burned, homes destroyed, and our people killed in an unprovoked assault by Meitei groups such as Arambai Tenggol, with the support of former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh. The Kuki-Zo people were left with no choice but to defend themselves."

The Council's statement outlined four key reasons for opposing the arrests:

1. Unresolved Conflict – The ethnic tensions between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities remain unsettled, with no peace framework or ceasefire in place.
2. Lack of Political Resolution – The political demands and aspirations of the Kuki-Zo community remain unaddressed.
3. Selective Law Enforcement – Armed Meitei groups allegedly continue to operate openly in the Imphal valley, while the recovery of looted weapons remains incomplete.
4. Lack of Accountability – Former CM N. Biren Singh, allegedly heard boasting about orchestrating the conflict in a leaked audio clip, has not faced any legal action.

The Council also criticized the CBI for what it called a "double standard" in law enforcement, citing the recent unconditional release of 12 Arambai Tenggol members, even as Kuki-Zo detainees remain in custody.

“If this injustice continues, the Kuki-Zo Council will not remain a passive spectator,” the statement warned, calling for the immediate and unconditional release of all Kuki-Zo individuals detained in connection with the conflict.

It may recalled that several Kuki civil society organizations (CSOs) staged a protest rally in Moreh on June 7, submitting a memorandum to the Governor of Manipur, Ajay Kumar Bhalla. Protesters expressed concern that the recent arrests are disturbing the fragile peace in the border town.

Women-led groups have also mobilized. The Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights (KWOHR) held an emergency meeting to address what it described as the growing pattern of arbitrary arrests targeting Kuki-Zo leaders and individuals. Participants discussed future strategies, including how local women may intervene to prevent further arrests.

The Kuki Inpi and Kuki Women Organisation had earlier echoed similar concerns, labeling the arrests as biased and lacking concrete evidence.