The Kuki CSO Working Committee (WCKCSOs)-Ukhrul strongly condemns the continuing killing of Kuki-Zo elders, women and children in Manipur and the failure of the State to ensure accountability.
The killing of Thenkhogin Baite and Thangboimang Lunkim at Thowai Kuki on 11 March 2026, the first major killing incident of the ongoing conflict, was followed by the Government’s decision to hand over the case to the NIA. Seven months later, where is the investigation? What progress has been made? Who has been held accountable? The prolonged silence on the case has only deepened the perception that Kuki-Zo lives do not receive equal urgency under the law.
The latest killing of 76-year-old Pu Hemjang Haokip of Khunkho Kuki village, abducted from his farm hut on 3 October 2026 and found dead the following day at S. Golai near Leimakhong, with his hands and legs tied, is another horrifying reminder of the insecurity faced by Kuki-Zo civilians. The Khunkho Kuki Village Authority has attributed the killing to NSCN (IM).
These killings cannot be treated as isolated incidents. They form part of a continuing pattern of violence, intimidation and displacement perpetrated by self-claimed Naga @Kacha Naga armed groups against Kuki-Zo civilians, while the Governments of Manipur and India have repeatedly failed to demonstrate the same urgency in pursuing accountability.
WHERE IS THE STATE?
The State cannot claim neutrality while applying the law selectively.
Kuki-Zo civil-society leaders face arrests, cases and coercive action, yet allegations of attacks by Kacha Naga armed groups against Kuki-Zo civilians are met with conspicuous silence.
The double standard becomes even more disturbing when Mr. Yarchuiso Kashung, President of Tangkhul Aze Katamnao Long, openly threatened to raise the Chinese flag in every Tangkhul border villages and seek protection from China if their demands were not met. Why are the Governments of Manipur and India silent? Would the same silence have been maintained if a Kuki-Zo leader had made such a statement?
The law cannot be selective. National security cannot be selective. Justice cannot be selective.
AND THE MEDIA?
Sections of the Manipur media have displayed another glaring double standard:
Kuki-Zo victims → “unknown miscreants.”
Meitei/Kacha Naga victims → “Kuki militants.”
When Kuki-Zos are killed, perpetrators remain conveniently “unidentified.” When others are killed, Kuki-Zo guilt is often declared before investigation.
Evidence must precede accusation. Journalism cannot become a vehicle for communal vilification
WE ARE DONE PLEADING
The Kuki-Zo people have repeatedly called for help, sought protection and waited for justice while our villages continued to be attacked and our people continued to die.
We do not wish to put yet another demand before Governments that have remained silent despite our suffering and repeated calls for help. We have waited long enough. The State’s silence has itself become an answer.
Every unpunished killing deepens distrust. Every selective arrest reinforces unequal citizenship. Every prejudicial headline deepens the divide.
Continued inaction is not neutrality. It is acquiescence to impunity.
If the State continues to fail to protect Kuki-Zo lives, identify perpetrators and deliver justice, it cannot indefinitely expect the Kuki-Zo people to believe that they enjoy equal protection under the Constitution.
HOW LONG WILL THIS DOUBLE STANDARD CONTINUE?
Kuki-Zo lives are not expendable.
Our elders are not targets.
Our women and children are not collateral.
Our silence must never be mistaken for surrender!
Issued by:
Department of Information & Media
WCKCSOS-Ukhrul
