The Hon’ble Prime Minister of India
New Delhi
Subject: Memorandum Seeking Immediate Intervention and Justice for Kuki-Zo Women Victims of Sexual Violence, Killings, and Impunity in Manipur
Hon’ble Sir,
The Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights (KWOHR) and Indegenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF) Women Wing respectfully submits this memorandum to draw your urgent attention to the systematic sexual violence, brutal killings, and grave human rights violations committed against Kuki-Zo women during the Manipur crisis, and the continued failure of the State to ensure justice, accountability, and protection.
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| A team from the Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights (KWOHR) and the ITLF Women Wing submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner, Churachandpur, during today’s sit-in protest against sexual violence and the killing of Kuki-Zo women in the ongoing Manipur crisis. |
We place before you with deep anguish the case of Nengtinlhing Haokip (20 years), a resident of Chassad Avenue, who was abducted on 15th May 2023 in Imphal, brutally assaulted, gang raped, and left for dead. Despite the registration of a Zero FIR and the transfer of the case to the CBI in July 2023, no arrest has been made to date. After enduring prolonged physical suffering, severe psychological trauma, and repeated medical procedures for over two years, she succumbed to her injuries on 11th January 2026. She waited for justice until her last breath. The nation failed her.
Nengtinlhing Haokip’s death is not an isolated tragedy. It represents a pattern of targeted, gendered, and communal violence against Kuki-Zo women, marked by abduction, rape, lynching, burning alive, and extrajudicial killings carried out with near-total impunity.
Pattern of Atrocities Against Kuki-Zo Women
From May 2023 to November 2024, at least 29 Kuki-Zo women were brutally killed across Manipur. Victims include young women, elderly women, and even a mentally challenged woman. Forms of violence included mob lynching, hacking to death, shootings, abduction, sexual violence, and burning alive.
Among the most heinous crimes were the cases of Florence Nengpichong Hangshing (27) and Olivia Lhingneithem Chongloi (23) of Khopibung, Sader Hills, who were raped and murdered on 4 May 2023.
Further, two Kuki-Zo women were stripped naked, paraded, and gangraped in broad daylight on 4 May 2023 at L. Phainom Village, Kangpokpi District, an act that shocked the conscience of humanity and remains emblematic of the extreme vulnerability of minority women during the conflict.
A non-exhaustive list of victims is attached as Annexure–I for your kind perusal.
Complete Failure of Justice Delivery
Despite the seriousness, scale, and documentation of these crimes:
Not a single perpetrator has been booked, arrested, or prosecuted in these cases to date
Investigations remain delayed, opaque, and ineffective
Survivors and families have been denied justice, rehabilitation, and dignity
Perpetrators continue to enjoy complete impunity
This continued inaction amounts to a grave constitutional failure and violates India’s obligations under domestic law and international human rights conventions, including protections against sexual violence and crimes against humanity.
Our Demands
In light of the above, KWOHR and ITLF Women Wing humbly but firmly demands:
1. Immediate booking, arrest, and prosecution of all perpetrators involved in the sexual violence, killings, and abductions of Kuki-Zo women
2. Time-bound, transparent, and accountable investigations, including strict monitoring of the CBI and other agencies
3. Independent judicial oversight of all cases of sexual violence and killings arising from the Manipur conflict
4. Official recognition of sexual violence against Kuki-Zo women as crimes against humanity
5. Adequate compensation, long-term rehabilitation, and comprehensive mental health care for survivors and affected families
6. Protection of witnesses, survivors, and human rights defenders
Appeal for Immediate Intervention
Hon’ble Sir, justice delayed has now become justice denied—and justice denied has claimed lives. The continued silence and inaction have emboldened perpetrators and deepened the suffering of victims’ families.
We earnestly appeal for your personal and immediate intervention to restore faith in the rule of law, uphold constitutional values, and ensure that Kuki-Zo women are not abandoned to violence and erasure. We trust that your office will act with the urgency, seriousness, and moral responsibility that this grave situation demands.
Thanking you in anticipation.
Enclosed: List of Kuki-Zo Women Victims of Sexual Violence and Killings during the Manipur Crisis since May 3rd 2023.
Yours Sincerely
(NGAINEIKIM) (VARY VAHBOI BAITE)
President, KWOHR Convenor, ITLF Women Wing
Copy to:
Chairman, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), New Delhi
Chairperson, National Women Commission (NCW), New Delhi
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