MEMORANDUM
Submitted to :
Shri Amit Shah
Hon'ble Union Home Minister,
Government of India
By: Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights (KWOHR)
On 31st May 2025.
Subject: Urgent Appeal to End Arbitrary Arrests, Ensure Justice for Kuki-Zo Victims, and Uphold Constitutional Guarantees
Respected Sir,
The Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights (KWOHR), representing the collective voice of tribal women across the Kuki-Zo community, respectfully submits this memorandum amidst deepening anguish over the targeted atrocities and continuing state-sponsored persecution of our people. This memorandum follows a peaceful Sit-In Protest held across Kuki-Zo areas on 31st May 2025 under the theme: "No Justice in Fear."
We bring to your urgent attention a grave crisis—the arbitrary arrests of Kuki-Zo individuals by central agencies like the NIA and CBI, often without concrete evidence, while radical Meitei actors responsible for mass violence remain untouched. These acts are not isolated; they are systematic and substantiated by extensive documentation, including the Timeline of Manipur Violence (May 2023–March 2025), submitted to the National Human Rights Commission by the Committee on Protection of Tribal Areas Manipur (Kuki Hills).
I. EVIDENCE OF STATE-SPONSORED VIOLENCE AND DOUBLE STANDARDS
1.Selective Law Enforcement & Arbitrary Arrests
Despite the filing of thousands of FIRs against radical Meitei outfits such as Arambai Tenggol and Meitei Leepun, not a single key perpetrator has been arrested. In contrast, innocent Kuki-Zo individuals are arbitrarily arrested, interrogated under duress, and subjected to criminalisation based solely on ethnicity.
2. Impunity of Known Perpetrators
Korounganba Khuman, commander of Arambai Tenggol, is named in multiple attacks (e.g., Kangvai, Churachandpur, and Langol). He led armed assaults on Kuki villages .
Despite these acts being part of an ongoing NIA case, he remains free, continuing operations without interference. The NIA's inaction has emboldened extremist outfits to loot over 6,000 weapons from government armouries, which have since been used to massacre civilians in tribal areas.
3. Manipulated Jurisdictions and Administrative Bias
Tribal villages were deliberately placed under Meitei-dominated police jurisdictions, violating multiple constitutional and statutory safeguards, such as the Manipur Hill Areas District Council Act, 1971. Kuki police officials were stripped of command, while Meitei officers were strategically appointed to key home and paramilitary positions.
4. Institutional Misinformation and Gendered Violence
Coordinated fake news campaigns about alleged rapes of Meitei women (later disproven by police and media) were used to incite mob attacks on Kuki-Zo civilians, leading to the rape and lynching of tribal women, which remain unpunished. The atrocities on Kuki-Zo women—including molestation, public stripping, and gang rape—are detailed and horrifying. Yet, justice remains elusive.
II. DEMANDS
1. Immediate Cessation of Arbitrary Arrests
Withdraw all pending NIA/CBI actions against Kuki-Zo individuals arrested without clear and credible evidence. Institute a neutral judicial panel to review all such cases.
2. Immediate Arrest and Prosecution of Extremist Leaders
Arrest Korounganba Khuman and dismantle Arambai Tenggol and Meitei Leepun under UAPA.
Prosecute leaders of COCOMI, who have openly endorsed violence and challenged national sovereignty by declaring war against the tribal population.
2.Fast-Track Prosecution of Former CM N. Biren Singh.
Expedite proceedings based on the viral audio clip were he allegedly confessed to orchestrating genocidal acts against the Kuki-Zo people. Investigate and prosecute state officials involved in collusion with armed militias.
4. Constitutional Separation Under Article 3
We reiterate our constitutional right to self-administration through reorganisation under Article 3 of the Indian Constitution. Unlike secessionist demands from Meitei groups, our appeal is legal, peaceful, and rooted in survival.
5. Restoration of Justice and Rule of Law
Reinstate AFSPA uniformly, or revoke it from Hill Districts.
Recover and seize all looted arms .
Ensure equitable representation of tribal officers in law enforcement.
III. OUR RESOLVE
Kuki-Zo women are peace-loving and constitution-abiding citizens. However, continued impunity, discrimination, and inaction will compel us to escalate our protest movement. We issue a solemn warning: if arrests without evidence continue, we will no longer allow agencies like the NIA or CBI to operate in our territories without community oversight. If this protest is ignored, the consequences must rest upon the government.
IV. CONCLUSION
We urge the Hon'ble Prime Minister to take immediate and just action. India's strength lies in its pluralism, not in its appeasement of majoritarian violence. The survival and dignity of the Kuki-Zo people cannot be compromised for political convenience.
Unchain the Innocent. Stop the Witch-Hunt.
For Justice, For Peace, For Kuki-Zo Rights.
Thank you.
Yours Sincerely,
KIMNEIHOI LHUNGDIM
Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights (KWOHR)
Submitted to :
Shri Amit Shah
Hon'ble Union Home Minister,
Government of India
By: Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights (KWOHR)
On 31st May 2025.
Subject: Urgent Appeal to End Arbitrary Arrests, Ensure Justice for Kuki-Zo Victims, and Uphold Constitutional Guarantees
Respected Sir,
The Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights (KWOHR), representing the collective voice of tribal women across the Kuki-Zo community, respectfully submits this memorandum amidst deepening anguish over the targeted atrocities and continuing state-sponsored persecution of our people. This memorandum follows a peaceful Sit-In Protest held across Kuki-Zo areas on 31st May 2025 under the theme: "No Justice in Fear."
We bring to your urgent attention a grave crisis—the arbitrary arrests of Kuki-Zo individuals by central agencies like the NIA and CBI, often without concrete evidence, while radical Meitei actors responsible for mass violence remain untouched. These acts are not isolated; they are systematic and substantiated by extensive documentation, including the Timeline of Manipur Violence (May 2023–March 2025), submitted to the National Human Rights Commission by the Committee on Protection of Tribal Areas Manipur (Kuki Hills).
I. EVIDENCE OF STATE-SPONSORED VIOLENCE AND DOUBLE STANDARDS
1.Selective Law Enforcement & Arbitrary Arrests
Despite the filing of thousands of FIRs against radical Meitei outfits such as Arambai Tenggol and Meitei Leepun, not a single key perpetrator has been arrested. In contrast, innocent Kuki-Zo individuals are arbitrarily arrested, interrogated under duress, and subjected to criminalisation based solely on ethnicity.
2. Impunity of Known Perpetrators
Korounganba Khuman, commander of Arambai Tenggol, is named in multiple attacks (e.g., Kangvai, Churachandpur, and Langol). He led armed assaults on Kuki villages .
Despite these acts being part of an ongoing NIA case, he remains free, continuing operations without interference. The NIA's inaction has emboldened extremist outfits to loot over 6,000 weapons from government armouries, which have since been used to massacre civilians in tribal areas.
3. Manipulated Jurisdictions and Administrative Bias
Tribal villages were deliberately placed under Meitei-dominated police jurisdictions, violating multiple constitutional and statutory safeguards, such as the Manipur Hill Areas District Council Act, 1971. Kuki police officials were stripped of command, while Meitei officers were strategically appointed to key home and paramilitary positions.
4. Institutional Misinformation and Gendered Violence
Coordinated fake news campaigns about alleged rapes of Meitei women (later disproven by police and media) were used to incite mob attacks on Kuki-Zo civilians, leading to the rape and lynching of tribal women, which remain unpunished. The atrocities on Kuki-Zo women—including molestation, public stripping, and gang rape—are detailed and horrifying. Yet, justice remains elusive.
II. DEMANDS
1. Immediate Cessation of Arbitrary Arrests
Withdraw all pending NIA/CBI actions against Kuki-Zo individuals arrested without clear and credible evidence. Institute a neutral judicial panel to review all such cases.
2. Immediate Arrest and Prosecution of Extremist Leaders
Arrest Korounganba Khuman and dismantle Arambai Tenggol and Meitei Leepun under UAPA.
Prosecute leaders of COCOMI, who have openly endorsed violence and challenged national sovereignty by declaring war against the tribal population.
2.Fast-Track Prosecution of Former CM N. Biren Singh.
Expedite proceedings based on the viral audio clip were he allegedly confessed to orchestrating genocidal acts against the Kuki-Zo people. Investigate and prosecute state officials involved in collusion with armed militias.
4. Constitutional Separation Under Article 3
We reiterate our constitutional right to self-administration through reorganisation under Article 3 of the Indian Constitution. Unlike secessionist demands from Meitei groups, our appeal is legal, peaceful, and rooted in survival.
5. Restoration of Justice and Rule of Law
Reinstate AFSPA uniformly, or revoke it from Hill Districts.
Recover and seize all looted arms .
Ensure equitable representation of tribal officers in law enforcement.
III. OUR RESOLVE
Kuki-Zo women are peace-loving and constitution-abiding citizens. However, continued impunity, discrimination, and inaction will compel us to escalate our protest movement. We issue a solemn warning: if arrests without evidence continue, we will no longer allow agencies like the NIA or CBI to operate in our territories without community oversight. If this protest is ignored, the consequences must rest upon the government.
IV. CONCLUSION
We urge the Hon'ble Prime Minister to take immediate and just action. India's strength lies in its pluralism, not in its appeasement of majoritarian violence. The survival and dignity of the Kuki-Zo people cannot be compromised for political convenience.
Unchain the Innocent. Stop the Witch-Hunt.
For Justice, For Peace, For Kuki-Zo Rights.
Thank you.
Yours Sincerely,
KIMNEIHOI LHUNGDIM
Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights (KWOHR)
No comments:
Post a Comment
Comments not related to the topic will be removed immediately.