Moreh CSOs Condemn Arbitrary Arrest of Kamginthang Gangte; 24-Hour Shutdown Underway, Mass Rally on Jun. 7

In a strong statement issued today, the joint Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) of Moreh have vehemently condemned what they described as the arbitrary arrest of Kamginthang Gangte, reportedly carried out without adherence to proper legal procedures. The CSOs have pointed fingers at Lt. Col. Nitin Sharma of the 5 Assam Rifles, accusing him of acting with bias and for personal motives.

"The biased attitude of Lt. Col. Nitin Sharma has once again surfaced," the CSOs stated, claiming the arrest was executed without due legal process and has disrupted the fragile peace in Moreh.

In response, several prominent organizations — including the Kuki Chief Association Moreh Block, Hill Tribal Council Moreh, Kuki Women Union & Human Rights Moreh Block, Kuki Students Organisation Moreh Block, Moreh Youth Club, and Kuki Khanglai Lawmpi Moreh — have jointly declared a 24-hour total shutdown beginning at 12:00 PM on June 6 and ending at 12:00 PM on June 7, 2025.

The shutdown will be followed by a peaceful public mass rally, scheduled for 7:00 AM on June 7, starting from Galngam Lentol and proceeding to the ADC Complex. The rally is being organized to express public outrage over the arrest and to demand the safe release of Kamginthang Gangte and other detained Kuki-Zo CSO leaders and SoO cadres, following proper verification.

The CSOs allege that such arbitrary actions by Assam Rifles personnel are jeopardizing peace and harmony in the town. They have called for the immediate transfer of Lt. Col. Nitin Sharma from Moreh to help restore normalcy.

"This act is seen as a direct threat and provocation against the hard-earned peace in Moreh town," the statement read. The organizations further criticized what they view as an imbalanced approach to justice in the ongoing Manipur ethnic conflict, highlighting the failure to act against alleged Meitei leaders such as Korounganba Khuman.

The joint CSOs emphasized their commitment to democratic, non-violent protest and appealed to the concerned authorities to uphold the rule of law and maintain peace by releasing the detained individuals in accordance with Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreements.