Mass rally in Manipur's Kangpokpi seeks release of three Kuki leaders, alleges security excesses

Hundreds of members of the Kuki community on Tuesday, July 14, staged a protest rally across Manipur's Kangpokpi district, demanding the immediate release of three community leaders arrested in connection with the July 11 Leimakhong incident and alleging selective action by security forces against Kuki civil society leaders.

The demonstration, organised under the banner of the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), began at Nute Kailhang in Kangpokpi town and proceeded to Brig. M. Thomas Ground along National Highway-2. Protesters marched carrying placards and raising slogans demanding the release of the arrested leaders, opposing what they described as selective justice, and calling for action over the alleged blockade of essential supplies.

The protest coincided with the submission of a memorandum to Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen, seeking the unconditional release of the detained leaders and urging the government to end what CoTU termed undue harassment of Kuki leadership.

Addressing the media, CoTU spokesperson Ng Lun said residents of Kangpokpi had exercised restraint despite what he described as a prolonged humanitarian crisis caused by the alleged disruption in the supply of essential commodities to the district.

He said public demonstrations at Gamgiphai on June 30 and Leimakhong on July 11 reflected growing frustration over shortages of food, medicines and other essential items.

Ng Lun alleged that while authorities acted promptly following the July 11 Kanto Sabal incident, the difficulties faced by residents of Kangpokpi had received inadequate official attention. He further claimed that the government's approach favoured one community over another and said such measures would not contribute to lasting peace or a durable political solution.

While acknowledging the need for security operations, the CoTU spokesperson said personnel of the CRPF's CoBRA unit and other security forces should conduct operations strictly in accordance with legal procedures and avoid intimidating civilians.

He also criticised the reported midnight raid carried out by the CoBRA unit on July 12 at the residence of Bongphajol village chief Douminlal Haokip, alleging that it was conducted without the presence of local police and without following mandatory legal procedures. He urged the government to investigate the incident and ensure that future operations comply with due process.

Ng Lun called for the immediate release of the detained leaders and urged the government to prioritise reopening routes allegedly affected by the ongoing blockade, which he said had severely impacted livelihoods in the district. He also appealed to the authorities to ensure the safety of the three detained leaders—Kammang Lhouvum, Ngamboi Haokip and Pagin Hangshing—while they remain in custody.

In its memorandum, CoTU stated that the July 11 Leimakhong incident was the outcome of months of public resentment over the alleged failure to ensure the uninterrupted supply of essential commodities, medicines and healthcare services to Kangpokpi.

The organisation also referred to protests at Gamgiphai on June 30, claiming that no action had been taken against those allegedly responsible for enforcing the economic blockade despite public unrest.

The memorandum sought the immediate release of retired IDES officer K. Lhouvum, who is also the chief of Hengjang village, along with Ngamboi Haokip and Pagin Hangshing, all of whom were arrested on July 11.

It further objected to the reported July 12 raid at the residence of Douminlal Haokip by CRPF CoBRA personnel, alleging that it was conducted without a search warrant or the presence of local police. CoTU urged the Deputy Chief Minister to ensure that any future searches of Kuki civil society leaders' residences are carried out only after following due legal process, including the issuance of valid search warrants and the presence of local police personnel.

Copies of the memorandum were also submitted to the Security Advisor to the Government of Manipur and the Director General of Police for appropriate action.

The protest concluded peacefully under heavy security deployment, with demonstrators reiterating their demand for the release of the arrested leaders and urging the government to address what they described as the continuing humanitarian challenges in Kangpokpi.