Kuki CSOs stage coffin protest in Manipur's Kangpokpi, raise concerns over security situation amid civilian killings

A coffin protest was held in Kangpokpi town on Thursday, May 11 amid a district-wide total shutdown called by Kuki civil society organisations, with hundreds of Kuki mourners and protesters demanding justice and immediate government intervention over the killing of villager Haogin Lhouvum at Lasan village in Manipur’s Tamenglong district.

The protest was organised under the banner of the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) in coordination with various Kuki civil society organisations. Lhouvum’s coffin was placed along National Highway 2 in the heart of Kangpokpi town, where protesters staged a sit-in and condolence programme for several hours.

The shutdown, which began from midnight on June 10, brought normal activities across Kangpokpi district to a halt. Educational institutions, business establishments and vehicular movement remained suspended, except for emergency services and security personnel.

The victim’s body was brought from the district hospital morgue to Kangpokpi amid demands from protesters for accountability and enhanced security measures for vulnerable villages. Protesters alleged that repeated attacks on Kuki settlements have raised concerns over the safety of civilians in affected areas.

Addressing the gathering, Kuki CSOs Kangpokpi spokesperson Janghaolun Haokip questioned the presence and response of security forces stationed at Makui village, alleging that the forces failed to prevent the June 9 attack on Lasan village despite being located nearby.

"It is deeply disturbing that a broad daylight attack could take place so close to a security deployment. Serious questions arise as to whether these forces are meant only to protect one particular village while neighbouring Kuki settlements are left exposed to violence," Haokip said.

The Kuki organisations accused the government of failing to ensure adequate protection for civilians and alleged that a series of attacks had resulted in the deaths of at least 13 Kuki civilians, including three pastors. They also claimed that 11 Kuki villages had been set ablaze in recent months, including Kultuh village in Kamjong district, where two villagers were allegedly killed in an early morning attack.

The organisations further alleged involvement of Tangkhul militant groups in the attacks, while demanding a probe into the incidents.

The CSOs placed four demands before the government, including immediate deployment of security forces at Lasan and Thenjang villages, security deployment in all identified vulnerable Kuki areas, a time-bound judicial inquiry into the killings of 13 civilians, and the arrest of the Makui village chief, village authority members and village guards in connection with the incidents.

Haokip said democratic protests would continue until authorities take concrete steps to address the security concerns and ensure accountability for those responsible.

The protest concluded amid heightened tension in the district, with community leaders warning of intensified democratic movements if their demands are not addressed by the authorities.