Guwahati: Kuki Inpi Manipur, the apex body of the Kukis, said that the ongoing democratic protests in Kuki-Zo dominated areas of the state, are a response to what it describes as the illegal detention and hostage-taking of innocent Kuki civilians.
In a press statement issued on Friday, the organisation said the agitation reflects the “anguish, pain and growing frustration” of the community amid a continuing humanitarian crisis.
According to the statement, sit-in protests were held in Kangpokpi district under the aegis of CoTU, while a “mass rally” was organised in Churachandpur in solidarity with affected families. It added that similar peaceful demonstrations were also expected in other Kuki-Zo dominated districts, all demanding justice, security and human dignity.
The organisation said the key demands of the agitation include the unconditional and safe release of all remaining hostages and the implementation of its earlier submitted Charter of Demands to the government. These demands relate to what it describes as continued persecution, targeted violence, insecurity and the killing of Kuki-Zo church leaders.
It further stated that the continued detention of civilians amounts to a serious violation of constitutional and humanitarian principles. The statement highlighted the distress faced by families of the detained persons, saying they are living with fear, uncertainty and emotional trauma without information about the safety of their loved ones.
Kuki Inpi Manipur also warned that hostage-taking and illegal detention cannot be tolerated in a democratic system and urged authorities to act urgently. It said failure to secure the release of detainees could worsen the situation in the region.
The organisation added that the Kuki-Zo community would continue its peaceful and constitutional protests with unity and discipline until its demands are met, while also maintaining mourning in honour of those it referred to as martyrs.
It said restraint should not be seen as acceptance of injustice and that the safety and dignity of the people remain “non-negotiable.”