KSO Ukhrul stages mass protest, demands release of allegedly abducted Kuki-Zo civilians

Hundreds of people under the banner of the Kuki Students Organisation (KSO), Ukhrul District, staged a sit-in demonstration at Shangkai Village on May 20, demanding the release of allegedly abducted Kuki-Zo civilians and raising concerns over what the organisation termed administrative inaction and continued insecurity in parts of Manipur.

The protest, organised jointly with the Kuki Women Union (KWU) under the aegis of WCKCSOs-Ukhrul, saw participation from students, teachers, village leaders, civil society groups and local residents.

Protesters called for implementation of the March 19 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), alleging delays in execution had worsened challenges faced by sections of the Kuki student community.

Addressing the gathering, KSO Ukhrul Vice-President Mercy criticised what she described as continued inaction and urged authorities to intervene urgently.

“The failure to implement the March 19 MoU is not merely a political delay but a betrayal of trust and peace,” she said while addressing demonstrators.

Referring to the alleged abductions, Mercy said the missing individuals were members of their community whose absence had created fear and anxiety.

The protest site witnessed slogans demanding implementation of agreements, release of the allegedly abducted civilians and stronger measures to ensure security in the hill districts.

KSO leaders maintained that their movement would remain peaceful while insisting on justice, security and protection of rights.

The demonstration comes amid continuing tensions in parts of Manipur, where civil society organisations and community groups have repeatedly raised concerns over security, governance and the impact of ongoing ethnic unrest.

Authorities have not immediately responded publicly to the allegations raised during the protest.