Kuki Inpi Condemns Killing of Innocent Civilian

Kanggui, 16 July 2024 — The Kuki Inpi South-West Sadar Hills (KI-SWSH) has strongly condemned the killing of Mr. Marangngir (45), son of ex-Pastor Som-Eng from Kangchup Chiru village, who was allegedly murdered by members of the Arambai Tenggol. The incident, which has sparked outrage, was reportedly captured in a viral video circulating on social media platforms.

In the video, Mr. Marangngir is seen blindfolded and forcibly interrogated inside a vehicle. Under duress, he was made to falsely confess to being a Kuki-Zo informer, allegedly paid twenty thousand rupees. KI-SWSH clarified that Mr. Marangngir, a respected theologian and former leader of the Kangchup Tribal Youth Organisation—a collective body of Kuki and Naga tribal youth—had no involvement in the ongoing Kuki-Zo and Meitei conflict.

Calling the allegations against him “baseless” and “a cover for inhuman acts,” KI-SWSH expressed grief over the targeting of an innocent man whose only crime, they believe, was his tribal identity.

The organisation also highlighted the growing threats and discrimination faced by minority tribals in Imphal, including regular Aadhaar checks, harassment, verbal abuse, and restrictions on the transportation of food items. “Out of concern for their safety, we have refrained from involving minority villages like Kangchup Chiru in any conflict-related activities since the outbreak of violence on May 3, 2023,” the statement read.

The press note recalled other incidents of targeted killings, including that of Serto Thangthang Kom (41), a Defence Service Corps soldier abducted and killed in September 2023, and Lucy Maring (55), a mentally ill woman who was shot in July 2023—both allegedly by Meitei militant groups.

KI-SWSH also referenced the late historian Prof. Gangmumei Kamei, who noted that while some minority tribes like the Chirus are culturally and linguistically Kuki, they align politically with the Naga identity. Despite these differences, KI-SWSH emphasised their respect for the identity and neutrality of such communities.

Condemning the ongoing acts of terror and intimidation, the group warned that continued violence would only worsen the already dire situation in the state. They urged the authorities to take swift and lawful action against those responsible for the murder of Marangngir and ensure justice is served.

The Kuki Inpi South-West Sadar Hills appealed to all communities to refrain from dragging neutral groups into the ongoing conflict, urging for peace and respect among all.

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