Kuki-Zo women protest in Kangpokpi, demand justice for slain church leaders and release of alleged hostages

Hundreds of Kuki-Zo women on May 22 staged a peaceful sit-in protest in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district, demanding justice for three Church leaders killed in an ambush on May 13 and calling for the immediate release of fourteen Kuki-Zo civilians allegedly being held hostage in Senapati district.

The protest was organised under the aegis of the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), acting on behalf of Kuki Inpi Manipur. Women from different villages and localities across Kangpokpi participated in large numbers, carrying placards condemning the killings and accusing authorities of failing to ensure the safety of civilians amid the continuing ethnic unrest in the state.

Raising slogans demanding accountability, the protesters described the killing of the three Church leaders as a “barbaric and inhuman act” that has deeply affected the Kuki-Zo community.

The women said the victims were respected religious figures known for promoting peace, humanitarian service and spiritual guidance, adding that their deaths have become symbolic of growing insecurity among the Kuki-Zo people.

Protesters argued that the attack was not only directed at individuals but represented an assault on the community’s faith, dignity and collective identity. Several participants became emotional while recalling the incident and expressed concern over what they described as inadequate action over the killings.

The demonstrators demanded that those responsible for the ambush be identified, arrested and prosecuted without delay, warning that failure to address the matter could deepen public distrust and feelings of alienation.

“We will continue our democratic agitation until justice is delivered to the three Church leaders martyred in the ambush and until every Kuki-Zo civilian held hostage is safely released,” one protest leader said during the demonstration.

The protesters also sought the immediate and unconditional release of fourteen Kuki-Zo civilians allegedly held in Senapati district. They claimed the continued detention of civilians had heightened fear and tension within the community.

Calling it a humanitarian concern, the women urged authorities and civil society organisations to ensure the safe return of those allegedly being held and stressed that civilians should not become victims of conflict situations.

The protesters further appealed to the Government of India to address the Kuki-Zo political issue through dialogue and a political resolution, arguing that prolonged conflict and recurring violence have pushed the community into a humanitarian and security crisis.

The protest concluded peacefully, with demonstrators stating they would continue democratic forms of agitation if their demands were not addressed.