The office of the Hmar Inpui General Headquarters, Tuithaphai, Churachandpur has issued a statement condemning the “arbitrary arrest of two brothers, Thanglienlal Hmar and Lalrosang Hmar by Assam Police and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on 31 July 2025.”. The Inpui has demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Thanglienlal Hmar and Lalrosang Hmar and urges the authorities to respect and uphold their constitutional rights.
The statement issued by Information & Publicity Department, Hmar Inpui General Headquarters, Tuithaphai stated that, “Hmar Inpui expresses deep concern and indignation at the arbitrary arrest of two brothers, Thanglienlal Hmar and Lalrosang Hmar—residents of Moinathol village, Cachar District, Assam—by the Assam Police and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on July 31, 2025. The brothers, both struggling daily wage earners, have no known criminal background. Thanglienlal Hmar works as a motorboat operator and also serves as an elder in the Independent Church of India.
“While NDTV has identified them as suspects in the abduction and murder of three women and three children in Jiribam, Manipur, in November 2024, the NIA, in its press release dated July 31, 2025, formally accused them of being key conspirators in the case. This development comes merely three weeks after the Manipur High Court directed the NIA to submit a status report on the matter.
“The circumstances surrounding the arrest raise serious concerns regarding procedural fairness, legal propriety, and the observance of due process. The hasty nature of the arrests—seemingly made under judicial pressure—suggests an absence of credible investigation and reflects a disregard for legal safeguards, particularly for individuals who are citizens of another state.
“As Manipur endures its third consecutive year of profound humanitarian crisis, the suffering of the Hmar people—both within and outside the state—must not be compounded by acts of institutional overreach. The continuing marginalization of the Hmar community, especially in the context of the ethnic violence allegedly orchestrated by the Meitei majority, must be addressed with urgency and justice. The rights and dignity of our brothers and sisters living outside Manipur must be equally protected under the law.
“This arrest exemplifies a disturbing pattern of state-led harassment, systemic repression, and the erosion of civil liberties. It reflects the broader strategy of criminalizing civil society and undermining fundamental human rights. The targeting of the Hmar people is not an isolated incident but part of an orchestrated political agenda designed to instill fear and suppress legitimate demands for justice and political recognition.
“The ongoing collusion between the Manipur Government, state institutions, and security apparatus must cease its inhumane campaign against the Kuki-Zomi-Hmar communities, who continue to seek a peaceful and dignified resolution to their political aspirations.
“Hmar Inpui unequivocally demands the immediate and unconditional release of Thanglienlal Hmar and Lalrosang Hmar and urges the authorities to respect and uphold their constitutional rights. Furthermore, we call for an immediate cessation of coercive, militarized tactics employed by the state, and for a renewed commitment to justice, equity, and peace.”
