Manipur: Kuki-Zo community stages mass protest against alleged selective arrests by central agencies

Thousands of Kuki-Zo people participated in a large-scale demonstration at Kangpokpi District Headquarters today, demanding an end to what they describe as targeted arrests of community members by central investigating agencies.

 

The protest, organised by the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) Sadar Hills, saw participants march from Nute Kailhang to the Deputy Commissioner's Office despite heavy monsoon rains. The demonstration was accompanied by a complete district shutdown from 9 am to 1 pm, with shops, educational institutions, and transport services remaining closed.

 

Women leaders prominently headed the march, joined by civil society representatives, village chiefs, and youth organisations from across the district. Agricultural activities, including jhum cultivation, were also suspended during the protest hours.

 

At the Deputy Commissioner's Office, protest organisers submitted a joint memorandum addressed to Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The document was endorsed by seven organisations, including CoTU, Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills, Sadar Hills Chiefs' Association, and various women's groups.

 

The memorandum expresses concern over what the signatories term "rampant and selective arrests" of Kuki-Zo Village Volunteers by the National Investigation Agency and Central Bureau of Investigation. Community leaders argue that the operations have disproportionately targeted their community members.

 

"These actions have caused widespread anxiety, fear, and mistrust within our people, who are already reeling from violence, displacement, and loss," the memorandum states.

 

The civil society organisations have outlined specific demands for the Union Government:

 

The groups want the immediate suspension of arrests until fair investigation mechanisms are established. They are calling for impartial probes addressing violations by all parties involved in the ongoing ethnic conflict between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities.

 

The memorandum also requests confidence-building measures through neutral platforms and meaningful dialogue that recognises the conflict's ethnic, historical, and territorial dimensions. Further, they seek protection for Village Volunteers who have defended communities during the crisis.

 

The protest occurs against the backdrop of continuing ethnic tensions in Manipur. Community leaders warn that continued targeting of Village Volunteers could undermine peace and reconciliation efforts between the conflicting groups.

 

Diana Haokip from CoTU Women Wing briefed media representatives after the rally, explaining the community's position that the arrests are arbitrary and politically motivated. She conveyed the collective concerns of the Kuki-Zo people to central authorities.