KWOHR Lead Protest Against Alleged Arbitrary Arrests Under No Justice in Fear Banner

The Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights (KWOHR) today organized a sit-in protest against the arbitrary arrest of Kuki-Zo individuals and leaders of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in various Kuki-Zo inhabited areas, demonstrating a powerful resistance against state-sponsored persecution.

In Churachandpur, thousands of Kuki women congregated at the Wall of Remembrance site in Tuibong, where women leaders from various associations voiced their strong disapproval of the central agencies' arbitrary arrests of their leaders. On the occasion, the presidents of KWOHR, Zomi Mothers Association, Kuki Women Union, and Vaiphei Women Association spoke at length about how the central agencies are allegedly attempting to sabotage the tribal movement by arresting prominent Kuki-Zo leaders.

Later in the afternoon, they submitted a memorandum to Union Home Minister Amit Shah through the Deputy Commissioner of Churachandpur, highlighting the arbitrary arrests of Kuki-Zo individuals by central agencies without concrete evidence.

In Kangpokpi, hundreds of Kuki-Zo women assembled at Brig. M. Thomas Ground, Kangpokpi District Headquarters, in a powerful act of peaceful resistance. The sit-in protest, organized by the Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights (KWOHR), Sadar Hills chapter, was a clarion call against what they termed as state-sponsored persecution and arbitrary arrests by the NIA and CBI.

Despite inclement weather reducing the expected turnout, the spirit on the ground was unshaken. Protesters—most of them displaced, bereaved, and marginalized tribal women—gathered under the banner “No Justice in Fear” to demand accountability and justice for their people.

Addressing the gathering, leaders of civil society organizations condemned what they described as selective targeting of Kuki-Zo individuals, alleging that central agencies like the NIA and CBI have disproportionately arrested tribals while allowing radical Meitei elements such as Arambai Tenggol and Meitei Leepun to operate with impunity.

“These arrests lack sufficient legal basis and appear one-sided,” said Lamneineng Haokip, KWOHR spokesperson. “While some groups in the valley have openly threatened state officials—including the Governor—and face no action, our leaders are being criminalized for standing with a displaced and brutalized community.”

Since ethnic tensions erupted on May 3, 2023, KWOHR reported that Over 227 churches have been destroyed, many villages have been reduced to ashes, dozens of women and children have been killed, thousands have fled Imphal, fearing targeted violence.

“Our homes are gone, our women violated, our children buried. And now those who speak for the victims are branded as criminals. If we are victims, why are we being treated as the accused?” the spokesperson asked with anguish.

Simultaneously, KWOHR submitted a memorandum to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, laying out a comprehensive set of demands and allegations. The document is as much a plea for justice as it is an indictment of administrative apathy.

Among the critical concerns raised include

- Arrests without evidence,

- Total impunity for Meitei extremist leaders,

- Weaponized misinformation targeting tribal communities,

- Administrative bias in law enforcement and governance.

The memorandum spotlights Korounganba Khuman, commander of Arambai Tenggol, accused of orchestrating attacks on the Kuki-Zo community in various places. Despite multiple FIRs and ongoing NIA investigations, he remains at large.

KWOHR’s memorandum outlines six core demands:

1. Immediate halt to arbitrary arrests and a neutral judicial review of all cases.

2. Arrest and prosecution of extremist leaders like Korounganba and dismantle Arambai Tenggol under the UAPA.

3. Fast-track legal action against former CM N. Biren Singh for allegedly inciting violence.

4. Constitutional separation under Article 3 to protect Kuki-Zo rights through peaceful reorganization.

5. Restoration of rule of law, including disarmament and uniform application of AFSPA, recover and seize all looted arms, and equitable representation of tribal officers in security and administrative structures.

In its concluding section, titled “Our Resolve”, KWOHR delivered a warning: if justice continues to be denied, community oversight will be imposed on operations by NIA and CBI in tribal territories.

“We are peace-loving citizens. But if the state remains deaf to our cries, we will no longer permit its agents to enter our lands without accountability,” the memorandum declared.

The organization made a direct and emotional appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to uphold the Constitution and protect India’s pluralist foundations.

“India’s strength lies not in majoritarian violence but in constitutional justice. The dignity and survival of the Kuki-Zo people must not be sacrificed at the altar of political convenience.”

As the protest drew to a close, soaked but resolute women chanted for justice—not just for the arrested, but for an entire community left battered by violence and ignored by the system.