Guwahati: The Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) has demanded an immediate investigation into the arrest of seven villagers, including a church leader, by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in Kholen village of Kangpokpi district.
In a press statement issued on September 20, the Kuki apex body alleged that the villagers were detained arbitrarily and called for their immediate release. The statement comes amid heightened tensions following the killing of six Kuki villagers, including two women, which the organisation attributed to the NSCN (IM). It also said another woman succumbed to her injuries on Sunday.
KIM alleged that authorities had failed to take adequate action against those responsible for the killings and said the affected community continued to face security concerns. These allegations were made by the organisation in its statement and were not independently established in the document.
The organisation also raised concerns over the handling of protests in the district. According to KIM, security forces used live ammunition against civilians during demonstrations and damaged vehicles belonging to protesters, including that of journalist Kaybie Chongloi. The organisation described the alleged use of force and property damage as violations of constitutional rights.
KIM called on the concerned district authorities to address what it described as arbitrary detention, investigate the alleged use of excessive force against protesters and provide compensation for damaged property.
The organisation further warned that any additional action against civilians or alleged violations of their rights could lead to intensified opposition from the Kuki community.
The statement was issued by Janghaolun Haokip, Secretary, Information & Publicity, Kuki Inpi Manipur.