In a statement issued from its secretariat under reference No. 04/KIM/PR/25-47, Kuki Inpi Manipur, the apex body representing the Kuki tribes, expressed profound grief over the deaths and extended condolences to the affected families.
“Kuki Inpi Manipur expresses deep sorrow over the recovery of the bodies of the six individuals who had gone missing. We unequivocally condemn their killings and extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. We pray that they find strength and comfort during this difficult time,” the statement said.
KIM stressed that the loss of any human life was a matter of grave concern and appealed to all communities to exercise restraint amid the prevailing tensions.
“The loss of any human life is a tragedy. At this sensitive moment, we appeal to all communities and stakeholders to maintain peace and refrain from speculation or the circulation of unverified information that could further inflame the situation,” it stated.
The organisation called upon the authorities to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the killings and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice through due process of law.
Reaffirming its commitment to peace, justice and communal harmony, KIM urged all stakeholders to prioritise dialogue and lawful means of resolving disputes.
READ: Remains of Six Abducted Naga Youths Found in Manipur Hills
Kangpokpi CSOs Announce Shutdown
Meanwhile, major Kuki civil society organisations in Kangpokpi district have announced a complete shutdown across the district beginning at midnight on June 10, following the killing of Haogin Lhouvum, a Kuki-Zo farmer from Lasan village in Tamenglong district.
The decision was taken during a joint meeting of Kuki CSO leaders held at Kangpokpi district headquarters earlier in the day.
The shutdown is expected to affect business establishments, educational institutions, government and private offices, as well as vehicular movement throughout the district.
Addressing the media after the meeting, Kuki CSOs Kangpokpi spokesperson Janghaolun Haokip said the killing had once again highlighted the security challenges faced by Kuki-Zo villages across several districts.
“Residents of Kuki-Zo villages in districts such as Kangpokpi, Tamenglong, Ukhrul and Kamjong continue to live under constant fear and insecurity due to recurring incidents of violence,” Haokip said.
The CSOs alleged that ten Kuki-Zo villages had been devastated in recent months and claimed that eleven Kuki-Zo civilians, including three church leaders, had been killed in attacks allegedly carried out by Tangkhul militant groups.
Key Demands
The organisations have placed several demands before the state government and security agencies, including:
- Immediate deployment of adequate security personnel in Lasan and Thenjang villages of Tamenglong district and other vulnerable Kuki-Zo areas.
- A time-bound judicial inquiry into the deaths of eleven Kuki-Zo civilians.
- Immediate arrest of the Makui village chief, village authorities and village guards allegedly linked to the killing of Haogin Lhouvum.
The mortal remains of Haogin Lhouvum continue to be kept at the district hospital morgue, where condolence services are being conducted. Family members and community leaders are yet to take a final decision regarding his burial.
Haokip warned that the agitation could intensify if the authorities fail to address the community’s concerns.
“The movement will continue until appropriate action is taken and justice is delivered,” he said.
The simultaneous condemnation by KIM and the shutdown call by Kangpokpi-based Kuki organisations underscore growing frustration within the Kuki-Zo community over repeated incidents of violence and what they perceive as inadequate security measures in their areas.
With normal life expected to be disrupted across Kangpokpi district from midnight, pressure is mounting on the Manipur government and security agencies to respond swiftly to demands for justice, accountability and enhanced protection for vulnerable villages.
The developments come amid continuing ethnic tensions in the state, raising concerns that further deterioration of the security situation could deepen existing divisions and trigger fresh unrest.
