Amid ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur, the KNA demands urgent action to protect Kuki prisoners, calling for relocation or a separate jail within a Kuki-majority region.
BY PC Bureau
The Kuki National Assembly (KNA) has submitted an appeal to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) seeking the immediate transfer of Kuki inmates from Manipur Central Jail, Sajiwa, citing concerns over discrimination, human rights violations, and safety amid the ongoing ethnic conflict in the state.
In a etter addressed to NHRC Chairperson Justice V. Ramasubramanian, KNA spokesperson Mangbol Hoip outlined the deteriorating conditions of Kuki prisoners in the facility. The appeal highlighted the impact of the prolonged ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities, which has been ongoing since May 3, 2023, and has left the state deeply polarized along communal and geographical lines.
The Kuki National Assembly (KNA) is a socio-political organization representing the interests of the Kuki community in Manipur and other regions of Northeast India. It claims to work to safeguard the rights, security, and welfare of the Kukis, especially during times of conflict. The KNA has been actively advocating for institutional support, justice, and fair treatment for the Kuki people in the face of ethnic and political challenges.
The KNA claims that Kuki inmates at Sajiwa jail are subjected to discriminatory treatment and are denied fundamental rights. They reportedly face significant challenges in maintaining contact with their families and are often barred from receiving visitors, unlike other prisoners. Additionally, the KNA noted that due to the prevailing ethnic divisions, it has become nearly impossible for Kukis to travel safely to Meitei-dominated areas, including Imphal, where the jail is located.
Given these concerns, the KNA has urged the NHRC to take immediate action to uphold constitutional rights and ensure the safety of the Kuki inmates. The organization has put forth two key requests:
- The transfer of Kuki prisoners to a correctional facility outside Manipur to guarantee their safety.
- The establishment of a separate jail for Kuki inmates within a Kuki-dominated region to mitigate the risks posed by the ongoing conflict.
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The appeal underscores the urgency of the situation, emphasizing the need for the NHRC to intervene and prevent further human rights violations. The KNA has reiterated its commitment to advocating for the rights and safety of the Kuki community and hopes that the authorities will take swift action in response to their concerns.
As tensions in Manipur persist, the plea from the KNA adds to the growing calls for institutional safeguards to protect the rights of ethnic minorities in the region. The NHRC is yet to respond to the appeal, but the issue is expected to spark further discussions on the treatment of prisoners in conflict-affected areas.
