KHRC alleges selective protection by Indian Army, demands re-imposition of PR

LAMKA, November 2, 2026: The Kuki Human Rights Council (KHRC) has accused the Indian Army of adopting a discriminatory approach towards the Kuki community in Manipur, alleging that security forces selectively arrest Kuki village volunteers while failing to protect Kuki villages from attacks by armed Naga groups.

In a press statement issued on November 2, 2026, KHRC alleged that the Indian Army frequently conducts combing operations targeting the Kuki community, arrests village volunteers and places them in jail, leaving Kuki villages vulnerable to attacks.

According to the KHRC, at least 37 Kuki people have been killed by Naga militants in Manipur in 2026 alone. The organisation stated that the victims included three pastors, three pregnant women and two couples.

The Council further alleged that the Government of India continues to protect armed Naga groups, including the National Socialist Council of Nagalim-Isak-Muivah (NSCN-IM), NSCN-K and the Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF-K), under the framework of ceasefire agreements, while Kuki villages are left without adequate security.

KHRC cites two recent incidents of alleged double standards

Highlighting what it described as selective protection by the Indian Army, the KHRC referred to two recent incidents involving Kuki villagers in Senapati and Noney districts.

In the first incident, the organisation stated that two Kuki youths from Taphou Kuki village in Senapati district were allegedly abducted by NSCN-IM cadres and their allies on October 28, 2026. The Council claimed that the Indian Army failed to intervene or rescue the two youths, whose bodies were subsequently found mutilated and placed inside sack bags.

However, the KHRC alleged that on November 1, 2026, when Taphou Kuki villagers apprehended two Naga youths, the Indian Army intervened swiftly and rescued the two men safely.

In the second incident, the Council stated that three Kuki villagers were killed in an ambush allegedly carried out by NSCN-IM and ZUF-K cadres in Noney district on October 31, 2026. It accused the authorities of failing to respond adequately to the killings.

In contrast, the organisation alleged that following the killing of three members of the Meitei community at Khongbal, the Indian Army swiftly raided a Kuki Suspension of Operations (SoO) camp and arrested 17 Kuki village volunteers, subsequently placing them in jail.

The KHRC described these incidents as evidence of what it termed a double standard in the security response, alleging that there was no comparable rescue effort for Kuki victims, while swift intervention was undertaken in incidents involving Naga and Meitei individuals.

"This must stop," the Council stated, calling for equal protection and security for all communities.

KHRC recalls alleged killings of over 1,100 Kuki civilians since 1990

The organisation also accused the NSCN-IM of having a long history of violence against the Kuki community, alleging that more than 1,100 Kuki civilians have been killed since 1990 under the leadership of Thuingaleng Muivah.

The Council expressed dissatisfaction over what it described as the continued absence of justice for the victims, stating that despite the passage of more than three decades, the Government of India had not arrested even a single NSCN-IM cadre in connection with the alleged killings.

The KHRC questioned the government's approach towards accountability and demanded that the authorities take concrete action to ensure justice for the affected families and communities.

KHRC places six-point charter of demands before Centre

In view of the alleged selective treatment and continuing security concerns, the Kuki Human Rights Council placed a six-point charter of demands before the Government of India.

The demands include:

1. Stop selective arrests: The Government of India must immediately stop what the Council described as the selective arrest of Kuki village volunteers.

2. Ensure equal protection: The government must end discriminatory security practices and provide equal protection to all communities without favouritism.

3. Re-impose President's Rule: The Council demanded the re-imposition of President's Rule in Manipur to ensure neutral, impartial and fair administration.

4. Abrogate the NSCN-IM ceasefire agreement: The government must immediately abrogate its ceasefire agreement with the NSCN-IM, which the Council believes is necessary to restore peace in Northeast India.

5. Release arrested Kuki village volunteers: All arrested Kuki village volunteers must be released so that they can protect their villages and safeguard the lives of their people.

6. Grant a separate administrative arrangement: The Government of India must grant a separate state or Union Territory for the Kuki community to safeguard its land, identity and lives.

The statement was jointly endorsed by KHRC President Ms. Hoiboi Touthang, Chief Advisor Haopu Haokip and Secretary (Information and Publicity) Lalboi Haokip.

The Council also stated that copies of the representation had been forwarded to the President of India, Prime Minister of India, Union Home Minister, Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and Governor of Manipur.

The KHRC reiterated its appeal to the Government of India to address the alleged discriminatory security practices, ensure equal protection for all communities, release the arrested village volunteers and take necessary steps towards restoring peace and justice in Manipur.