KANGPOKPI, Sept 20: The Kuki Inpi Manipur has condemned the alleged arrest of seven villagers from Kholen village, including a church leader, by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district.
In a statement issued on September 20, the Kuki apex body described the detention as “arbitrary” and demanded immediate action from the district authorities.
The organisation said the arrests took place amid tensions following the killing of six Kuki villagers, including two women, which it alleged was carried out by the NSCN (IM). It said another woman who was injured in the incident died on Sunday.
The Kuki Inpi also condemned what it alleged was the use of force against civilians protesting over their security and basic rights. It claimed that live bullets were used against protesters and that vehicles were vandalised, including a vehicle belonging to journalist Kaybie Chongloi.
The organisation called for an investigation into the alleged detention of civilians and the use of force during the protests. It also sought compensation for damaged vehicles and other property.
The Kuki Inpi said the alleged incidents had occurred against what it described as a backdrop of “persistent hardship, selective enforcement, and violence” faced by the Kuki community.
It urged authorities to refrain from what it considered arbitrary actions or violations of civilian rights and said the community would continue to raise its concerns if such incidents persisted.
