Imphal: Kuki-Zo community members staged a sit-in protest at Kangpokpi district headquarters in Manipur on Wednesday, demanding transparency over the detention of three local men allegedly linked to a recent deadly incident.
The protest follows the October 20 detention of Seilal Haokip, Lungunpao Kipgen and Hemminthang Khongsai from S. Phailengkot village. Authorities reportedly detained the trio in connection with the violence at Khongbal Tangkhul Sunurok on October 19, in which three Meiteis were killed.
Protest organisers alleged that authorities had not disclosed the detainees’ whereabouts or provided information about their physical condition. They also claimed that the investigating officer had failed to cooperate and that officials had not clarified the charges or legal provisions invoked against the three men.
Protesters question detention
Family members and community representatives described Haokip as a prominent civil society leader who serves as chairman of the Chingdai Area Resettlement Committee. They highlighted his role in community mediation and his engagement with security forces.
The other two detainees, Kipgen and Khongsai, were defended by protesters as innocent civilians who had been trying to protect their villages amid ongoing destruction.
The demonstrators demanded the unconditional release of all three men. They argued that treating internally displaced persons as criminals without presenting clear evidence would further hurt a community already affected by the ongoing crisis.
Residents raise concerns over humanitarian conditions
The protest also drew attention to the lack of government assistance in the Chingdai area. According to the organisers, residents continue to face shortages of essential supplies, inadequate healthcare and security concerns.
The protesters urged the state government to intervene immediately, disclose the legal status of the detained men and address the humanitarian difficulties confronting residents of the area.
They maintained that authorities should provide clear information about the case while ensuring that the needs and rights of affected communities receive attention.