Imphal, May 16: The Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights (KWOHR), along with several civil society organisations, has submitted a memorandum to the Union Home Minister during a “Mass Rally for Justice” held in Churachandpur, raising concerns over the recent killing of three Kuki-Zo religious leaders and the broader security situation in the region.
The memorandum, submitted through the Deputy Commissioner of Churachandpur district, expressed strong concern over the deaths of Rev. Dr. V. Sitlhou, Pastor Paogoulen Sitlhou and Rev. Kaigoulun Lhouvum on May 13. According to the organisation, the incident has caused widespread concern within the Kuki-Zo community and intensified fears regarding the safety of civilians and church leaders living in Kuki-Zo inhabited areas.
KWOHR alleged that the violence was linked to what it described as “proxy attacks” targeting the Kuki-Zo community and pointed to repeated incidents of violence, displacement and insecurity in the region.
The memorandum also referred to earlier incidents, including the burning of K. Songlung village on January 26 and the May 13 ambush that claimed the lives of the three religious leaders, stating that such events have further deepened fear among local residents.
Among the key demands placed before the Union government, the organisation called for the re-imposition of President’s Rule in Manipur, stronger security deployment in Kuki-Zo areas and a high-level investigation into the recent killings and other violence-related incidents.
The group also sought legal recognition for village guards operating in Kuki-Zo villages for self-protection purposes and demanded permanent security arrangements in vulnerable localities. It additionally reiterated the long-standing demand for a Separate Administration for the Kuki-Zo people under the Constitution of India.
In its appeal, the organisation stated that continuing violence and displacement have made peaceful coexistence increasingly difficult under the existing circumstances and urged the Government of India to take immediate steps to ensure justice, security and constitutional safeguards for the Kuki-Zo community.
