Guwahati: The Kuki Human Rights Council (KHRC) of Manipur, on December 22 accused the Bangladesh Army of committing severe human rights violations against the Bawm-Kuki community in the Chittagong Hill Tracts and urged the international community to intervene.
In its statement, KHRC alleged that Bangladeshi security forces have carried out unlawful arrests, custodial torture, and killings, creating an atmosphere of fear among Bawm-Kuki villagers. The council said these incidents indicate a broader pattern of persecution targeting indigenous communities in the region.
The rights group highlighted the arrest of 30-year-old farmer Sanglianthang on December 21, claiming that the military detained him on suspicion of links to the Kuki National Army (KNA). KHRC, along with local residents and the Kuki National Front (KNF) Media Wing, denied the allegation, asserting that Sanglianthang is a civilian. The council demanded his immediate release along with other villagers allegedly held in custody.
KHRC also alleged a custodial killing, stating that Lalramsan Bawm was abducted from his village on December 5 and later discovered dead in a military camp. The organisation claimed that his body bore signs of severe torture and held the army responsible for his death.
The council said the crackdown extends beyond individual cases, reporting mass arrests and detentions from Jurachari, Dighinala, and Bandarban.
The council claimed that security forces detained at least 17 indigenous Jumma villagers, including a 12-year-old, and released them after several days.
KHRC further alleged that these actions disproportionately target the Bawm Christian community to suppress their identity, culture, and religious freedoms. The council called for an independent, impartial investigation and urged international human rights organisations and governments to protect civilians in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
Reaffirming its solidarity with the Bawm-Kuki tribe, KHRC further said it will continue documenting what it described as “systematic abuses” and urged global authorities to ensure accountability and justice for the affected communities.