Guwahati: The Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) has strongly condemned the killings of three persons belonging to Hmar community by the Assam Police in Cachar district, near the Manipur border. The incident, which reportedly occurred on July 16, has sparked massive outrage within the Kuki-Zo community.
According to a statement released by KIM Information & Publicity Secretary Janghaolun Haokip, the victims – Lallungawi Hmar (21), Joshua Hmar (35), and Lalbiekkung Hmar (33) – were allegedly extrajudicially killed in a staged encounter.
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Haokip refuted the Assam Police’s claims of an encounter with militants, citing social media footage that appears to show the men being apprehended alive.
“Contrary to the Assam Police’s claim, video footage surfaced on social media clearly showing the Assam Police stopping the three youths while they were traveling in an auto rickshaw and taking them into custody,” Haokip said.
He said the incident has reignited concerns about the treatment of Kuki-Zo people in the region. Haokip emphasized the need for a “Separate Administration” for the Kuki-Zo community, while also highlighting the violation of their rights as Indian citizens.
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KIM has called upon the Government of India to expedite a “permanent political solution” to address the grievances of the Kuki-Zo people and safeguard their rights.
The apex Kuki-Zo organization also expressed solidarity with the bereaved families and vowed to continue their fight against injustices faced by the community.
The organization further urged relevant authorities to prioritize a fair and thorough investigation into the killings.