Imphal: The Kuki CSO Working Committee (WCKCSOs)-Ukhrul has accused the Central and Manipur governments of institutional bias, alleging that their failure to ensure accountability for the killings of Kuki-Zo civilians undermines constitutional protections.
In a press statement, the committee alleged that selective law enforcement and prolonged official silence have contributed to a perception of unequal treatment and neglect in the region.
The WCKCSOs-Ukhrul questioned the National Investigation Agency (NIA) over what it described as a seven-month delay in the investigation into the March 11 killings of Thenkhogin Baite and Thangboimang Lunkim at Thowai Kuki.
The committee said the lack of information from the authorities and public accountability has increased distrust within the community.
The committee also referred to the recent abduction and murder of 76-year-old Hemjang Haokip from Khunkho Kuki village. His body was found near Leimakhong on October 4. Citing the Khunkho Kuki Village Authority, the WCKCSOs attributed the killing to the NSCN (IM).
The committee alleged that these cases are part of a wider pattern of violence, intimidation and displacement targeting Kuki-Zo civilians, rather than isolated criminal incidents.
The WCKCSOs also accused the state of applying legal and national security measures selectively. It compared the actions taken against Kuki-Zo civil society leaders with what it described as a lack of action over armed attacks on their communities.
The committee also questioned the official response to sovereign-seeking remarks attributed to Tangkhul Aze Katamnao Long president Yarchuiso Kashung. It alleged that the response showed unequal treatment in cases involving national security concerns.
The WCKCSOs said justice and constitutional protection should apply equally. It warned that continued failure to protect civilians would further weaken the community’s trust in equal citizenship.