As Saibol village becomes a flashpoint for unrest, Kuki-Zo women stand resilient against the forceful occupation of community bunkers by security forces. Their protests and the alleged atrocities inflicted upon them are igniting a wave of solidarity and condemnation across the nation.
BY PC Bureau
Today a large number of womenfolk attempted to disrupt the deployment of Army, BSF and CRPF at Uyokching, near Thamnapokpi.
The joint SF dispersed the crowd with minimum use of force and now the situation in peaceful and under control.
The Joint SF are deployed at the hilltop…
— Manipur Police (@manipur_police) December 31, 2024
In the past two days, Saibol village in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district has become the epicenter of heightened tensions between security forces and local Kuki-Zo women protesters. The unrest erupted when security personnel, including the Army, BSF, and CRPF, moved to occupy community bunkers in the area. These bunkers, reportedly used by armed groups for launching attacks on nearby villages, were taken over by security forces as part of a broader strategy to maintain order.
On December 31, 2024, over 80 Kuki-Zo women gathered to protest the “forceful occupation” of these bunkers by the security forces. The protest turned violent when security personnel allegedly deployed tear gas and physical force against the unarmed women, leaving over 50 injured. Among them, a 45-year-old woman sustained a rubber bullet injury to her left eye and was subsequently transferred to a hospital in Guwahati for advanced treatment.
The situation has sparked widespread outrage, with community members alleging that the women were subjected to assault and humiliation. Social media has been flooded with posts amplifying these claims. Prominent voices on X (formerly Twitter) have expressed their indignation:s Saibol village becomes a flashpoint for unrest, Kuki-Zo women stand resilient against the forceful occupation of community bunkers by security forces.
- @Hillsjournal: “Clash Erupts Between Security Forces and Women Protesters in Saibol Village; Multiple Injuries Reported, Emergency Shutdown Declared in Saikul.”
- @Jenifer_Vaiphei: “Saibol, Manipur: Kuki women are losing their sight and suffering broken bones at the hands of @BSF_India & @crpfindia. Why the silence? Authorities must act & the world must condemn these atrocities. @NCWIndia @MinistryWCD @unwomenchief Will You condemn? #JusticeForKukiWomen”
- @aradhiyakumar0: “Hundreds of Kuki women protested against recent attacks in Saibol, Twichin, Mongneljang & Khonomphai, leading to the Committee on Tribal Unity declaring a 12-hour shutdown to demand justice and raise awareness about Kuki plight.”
- @SamKhongsai_: “Saibol, Manipur: Is this not too much brutality against unarmed citizens, especially women? @BSF_India @crpfindia these are your own citizens—women you should be protecting, not assaulting. The year ends on a horrific note, marked by visuals of Kuki women being assaulted & molested.”
Hello mainstream media, where are you? Showing this is more important than showing the apology pic.twitter.com/oPf2OR76dX
— Rajan Chaudhary (@EditorRajan) December 31, 2024
In a statement on X, the Manipur police acknowledged the deployment of a joint team of security forces in Saibol to prevent further escalation. They asserted that the crowd was dispersed with “minimum use of force” and that the situation remains under control.
The stripping and assault on Kuki women in Saibol, Manipur, by central forces is a human rights violation. @PMOIndia @HMOIndia @rashtrapatibhvn, act now.https://t.co/kc4q29iEaR
— Chengchengpi 🍁 (@Chengchengpi) December 31, 2024
“Today, a large number of womenfolk attempted to disrupt the deployment of the Army, BSF, and CRPF at Uyok Ching, near Thamnapokpi. The joint security forces dispersed the crowd with minimum use of force. The situation is now peaceful and under control. The joint forces are deployed at the hilltop to dominate the area and prevent any untoward incidents,” the state police said on X.
Central forces have intensified area domination operations in the Imphal East and Kangpokpi districts following a Christmas Eve incident in which armed men fired from Kangpokpi hilltops, targeting Sinam Kom village in Imphal East.
Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh defended the actions of the security forces, emphasizing their constitutional authority to station themselves anywhere in the country to uphold law and order.
However, the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) has demanded the immediate withdrawal of security forces from the Saibol area. CoTU has also threatened an indefinite economic blockade of National Highway 2 (NH-2), a lifeline for the region, if their demands remain unmet.
The Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights (KWOHR) has been actively seeking intervention from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), accusing security forces of reckless use of force and human rights violations.
As tensions remain high in Saibol and beyond, it is imperative for authorities to engage in constructive dialogue, ensure accountability, and address the grievances of the Kuki-Zo community. Immediate steps to protect the rights and dignity of women in the region are essential to pave the way for lasting peace and reconciliation.
