Kuki-Zo CSOs in Manipur's Moreh wary over arrests, submit memorandum to Governor

Members of the Kuki-Zo community, in Manipur’s border town of Moreh, expressed their grievances over alleged arbitrary arrests, submitting a memorandum to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla. 
 

The memorandum, facilitated through Tengnoupal MLA Letpao Haokip, raised concerns about what they described as unfair treatment of Kuki-Zo leaders and Suspension of Operations (SoO) cadres by central agencies.

The memorandum specifically addressed the arrest of Kamginthang Gangte, a SoO cadre, by personnel from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Assam Rifles. The Joint Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) of Moreh Block alleged that the arrest lacked due process and transparency, eroding trust in law enforcement among residents.

The CSOs also expressed concerns about perceived bias in law enforcement following the ethnic unrest that began in Manipur on May 3, 2023. They highlighted the conduct of Lt. Col. Nitin Sharma of the 5 Assam Rifles, describing his actions as “provocative” and calling for his transfer to ease tensions.

Accompanying these protests, the CSOs enforced a 24-hour shutdown across Moreh, which concluded on June 6. Additionally, a shutdown called by the Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO) in Tengnoupal District began on June 6 and will continue until 6:00 pm on June 7.