The Kuki Inpi Manipur has called for an immediate end to the harassment of activists associated with the Kuki Organisation for Human Rights (KOHUR). The organization argues that the state government’s misuse of law enforcement to intimidate human rights defenders is an assault on democracy and freedom of speech.
BY PC Bureau
The Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) has flayed the Manipure Police’s Cyber Crime Division over what it calls politically motivated actions against human rights activists. This follows the ongoing search and harassment of members associated with the Kuki Organisation for Human Rights (KOHUR), which KIM claims is part of a larger effort by the Manipur state government, led by Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, to silence dissent and suppress voices that are critical of the government.
The Kuki Inpi’s statement comes amid growing concerns following the release of an audio tape allegedly featuring Biren Singh. The tape purportedly exposes Singh’s abuse of power, triggering criticism and calls for accountability.
PRESS RELEASE
KIM Secretariat, the 1st February, 2025 pic.twitter.com/KJHhjGTVAD— Kuki Inpi (@Kuki_Inpi) February 1, 2025
According to KIM, instead of addressing these serious allegations, the Chief Minister has resorted to using state institutions, such as the Cyber Crime Division, to target activists who are speaking out against the government’s actions.
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Disregard for Justice:
The Kuki Inpi has called this crackdown on social activists a violation of basic human rights and an attempt to suppress the truth. “By weaponising the police force, particularly the Cyber Crime Division, N. Biren Singh has shown a blatant disregard for justice and rule of law,” the statement reads.
The Inpi further alleged that the ongoing harassment was part of a systematic effort to erase the suffering of the Kuki-Zo people, an ethnic group who, according to the Inpi, have faced continuous violence, displacement, and oppression under the Meitei-majority administration.
Press Communique against the hounding and unfairly targeting of Pu Benjamin Mate,Chairman of KOHUR by Superintendent of Police of the CyberCrime Police of Manipur and the Officer-in-Charge of Tengnoupal Police Station,based on the recent #ManipurAudioLeak
@NIA_India @thewire_in pic.twitter.com/aVGGGMICve— KSO Lamka (@KSO_Lamka) February 1, 2025
The Kuki-Zo community, which has long voiced concerns over issues of land rights, security, and economic marginalization, claims to have been subjected to repeated human rights violations. KOHUR, an activist group that has been vocal about the situation, has been accused of being a thorn in the side of the current administration.
Allegations and Call for Accountability
KIM has called the government’s actions a form of political witch-hunting, aimed at undermining the integrity of human rights work in the state. The organization is calling on the government to cease these practices immediately and for the Government of India to hold the Manipur state administration accountable for its actions. “This is a direct attempt to silence those who dare to expose the truth and stand up for the rights of the Kuki-Zo people,” said the statement, urging citizens to unite in defense of the Constitution and democratic principles.
KIM has also condemned the harassment of human rights defenders as part of a broader, systemic effort to intimidate and marginalize ethnic communities that have long faced challenges in Manipur. They contend that the state government is attempting to suppress both the narrative of the Kuki-Zo people’s suffering and any efforts to demand justice for their grievances.
As tensions rise between human rights organizations and the state government, it remains unclear how the situation will unfold. The Kuki Inpi has called on the “Meitei-led” administration to cease its targeting of human rights defenders and focus instead on addressing the deep-rooted issues of inequality and injustice faced by marginalized communities in the state. The organization stresses that the ongoing conflict over political persecution cannot be allowed to stand without challenge.
