Kuki-Zo women rally in Manipur's Kangpokpi, seek probe into killings of 27 civilians

Hundreds of Kuki-Zo women staged a protest in Kangpokpi district headquarters on September 23, demanding an independent investigation into the alleged killings of 27 Kuki-Zo civilians, including eight women and two unborn children, in different incidents across the hill areas of Manipur since March 11, 2026.

The rally was organised by the Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights (KWOHR), Kangpokpi district, as part of a wider mobilisation by the organisation's general headquarters in collaboration with the Kuki Women Union Manipur.

The protesters marched from Nute Kailhang in downtown Kangpokpi to Brig M Thomas Ground, holding placards and raising slogans seeking justice for the victims and accountability for those responsible.

A brief sit-in was held at the ground, where Kuki-Zo women leaders addressed the gathering. The protesters also observed two minutes of silence in memory of those killed.

KWOHR leaders later submitted a memorandum addressed to Union Home Minister Amit Shah through the Kangpokpi Deputy Commissioner, seeking central intervention and an independent probe into the alleged killings.

KWOHR Kangpokpi spokesperson Ngahneikim Chongloi said the protest was aimed at seeking justice rather than revenge.

“We are here to demand that the truth be established through a proper, independent investigation,” Chongloi said.

She said 27 Kuki-Zo people, including two unborn children, had been killed in separate incidents in the hill areas since March 11. She said the victims included mothers, fathers, husbands, wives and children, and that their deaths had affected their families.

The organisation alleged that individuals and armed groups, including NSCN-IM and ZUF (Kamson), may have been involved in some of the incidents. It called for the allegations to be investigated by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or another appropriate central agency.

“Our message is simple: We do not want revenge. We want justice. We do not ask anyone to be condemned without evidence. We ask that the evidence be properly investigated, the truth be established, and the law take its course,” Chongloi said.

Cases cited in memorandum

The memorandum highlighted several incidents involving women, pregnant women and children.

It alleged that seven-month pregnant Tinamary Haokip, her husband Letkhongam Haokip and brother-in-law Jangminlal Haokip were killed at Loibol Khollen in Kangpokpi district on June 5. The organisation said Tinamary was carrying an unborn child.

The memorandum also referred to the alleged killings of Tingneichin Lhouvum, Hoineineng Lhoujem and Lamtinmang Lhoujem at N Teikhang village on August 31.

According to the memorandum, Lhingzangai Singsit and her husband Seineh Singsit were allegedly killed at L Tollen village on September 13. Their five-year-old son Henmisang was also shot and critically injured, it said.

Another case cited was the alleged killing of pregnant Julie Singson, who the organisation said was carrying an unborn child of around two months, along with Thangvel alias Roel Gangte on September 13. Nei Esther Gangte, who was injured in the same incident, died of her injuries on September 20, according to the memorandum.

The organisation also alleged that 76-year-old Chongza Sitlhou and Kimneo Singson, a BSc Nursing graduate, were killed while working in a paddy field at Leisangphai village in Tamenglong district on September 15.

The memorandum said the cases involving women, pregnant women and children required urgent intervention and independent investigation.

It also raised allegations concerning Anthony Shimray alias Ningkhan, including alleged involvement in the recruitment and arming of village guards and the formation of ZUF (Kamson). The organisation called for the claims, as well as the roles of individuals and organisations, to be independently established through investigation.

Six demands before Centre

The Kuki women's rights organisation sought six measures from the Union Home Ministry:

• An independent and impartial investigation by the NIA, CBI or another appropriate central agency into the killings and the allegations concerning Anthony Shimray and others.
• Legal action against individuals or organisations found responsible, including alleged members or associates of NSCN-IM, ZUF (Kamson) or armed village-guard formations.
• Medical assistance, protection and rehabilitation for survivors, particularly injured people, children and families who lost their primary earners.
• Compensation and relief for the families of the 27 victims.
• Effective protection for vulnerable Kuki-Zo villages and civilian populations.
• Accountability irrespective of the identity, organisation or community of those found responsible.

The memorandum stressed that the allegations should be established through an independent investigation and due process, with action taken against those found responsible under the law.

The organisations said they would continue to pursue the issue through peaceful and democratic means and urged the Centre to ensure that civilian deaths are investigated and affected families receive protection, relief and justice.