KIM Demands Disclosure of Detained Kuki Leaders Immediately

LAMKA, July 12, 2026: Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), the apex body of the Kuki tribes, has issued an urgent press statement demanding the immediate disclosure of the whereabouts, condition, and legal status of two detained Kuki leaders—K. Lhouvum, a retired Indian Defence Estates Service (IDES) officer, and Pagin Hangshing, son of Lunpao and Chief of Khunkho Kuki Village.

According to KIM, K. Lhouvum, 63, dedicated 33 years of service to the nation and had no role in organising or leading the recent public protest at Leimakhong. The organisation described his detention as unjustified and criticised authorities for failing to disclose his whereabouts or the legal basis for his custody.

KIM also stated that Pagin Hangshing was taken into custody despite having no involvement in organising or leading the protest. The organisation termed his detention arbitrary and unacceptable.

The statement clarified that both K. Lhouvum and Pagin Hangshing had resigned from the Leimakhong Area Protection Committee (LAPC) on 8 July 2026, after which the committee was officially dissolved. KIM rejected any attempt to link the two men to the activities of the dissolved committee, calling such claims false and misleading.

KIM further asserted that the protest was a spontaneous public reaction to the prolonged economic blockade allegedly imposed by Kacha Naga groups against the Kuki community for more than 50 days. It maintained that the LAPC neither organised nor controlled the demonstration.

The organisation expressed concern over what it described as arbitrary detention, misuse of state power, and denial of due process. It demanded immediate access for the detainees' families and legal representatives, unconditional release unless lawful grounds for detention are presented, and warned that the State Government and security agencies would be held responsible for the safety and well-being of those in custody.

KIM also alleged a pattern of selective action against innocent Kuki leaders while those responsible for enforcing the economic blockade remain untouched. It called on the authorities to uphold justice, transparency, accountability, and the rule of law.