Two key Kuki-Zo groups condemn the detention of village volunteers in Kangpokpi, criticizing authorities for targeting civilians while attackers remain free.
BY PC Bureau
September 20: Two leading Kuki-Zo groups have strongly condemned the recent detention of village volunteers by central security forces in Kangpokpi district. They alleged that innocent civilians were targeted, while those responsible for attacks on Kuki-Zo communities remain at large.
The Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU), Sadar Hills, and Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), the principal organization of the Kuki tribes, issued separate statements on Sunday following Saturday’s arrests. The detentions sparked protests, a highway blockade, and clashes with security personnel in Motbung and nearby areas.
COTU reported that a CRPF tactical team detained six villagers from Maohing village, who had been guarding their settlements against attacks by Tangkhul-led NSCN-IM and ZUF Kamson groups. The committee described the arrests as unnecessary at a time when protecting homes and livelihoods should be the priority. It noted that public anger was a natural response to the detention of villagers instead of the armed groups accused of attacking Kuki-Zo areas along IT Road, Twilang, and Longpi in Noney.
Referring to the September 13 incident in Longpi, where two pregnant women were killed and a young girl later died from injuries, COTU highlighted that those responsible remain free. However, the committee appreciated the intervention of Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, who listened to the concerns of the Kangpokpi public after the confrontation and sought balanced solutions.
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Similarly, KIM expressed deep outrage over the “arbitrary” arrest of seven villagers from Kholen village, including a church leader. KIM accused the authorities of a “shocking, unconstitutional failure” to take action against the attackers.
KIM further alleged that security forces used excessive force against civilians protesting for basic security. They claimed live ammunition was used, vehicles were vandalized—including that of journalist Kaybie Chongloi—and demanded the immediate release of those detained, a formal investigation into the use of force, compensation for damaged property, and an end to selective enforcement. The group warned that the community would not stay silent if arbitrary actions continued.
According to official sources, a CoBRA unit of the CRPF detained village volunteers near Kholen/Kholep, close to the Naga-majority area of Chawangkining, on Saturday afternoon. Subsequent protests blocked National Highway-2, with tires burnt and stones thrown. At least one security vehicle was reportedly set on fire. Forces responded with tear gas, injuring a few demonstrators. The detainees were later released, and the agitation eased.
These statements come amid ongoing tensions between Kuki and Naga groups in the hill districts. Kuki organizations have repeatedly blamed NSCN-IM and ZUF-K for civilian killings in Tamenglong and Noney earlier this month. Security agencies have not publicly identified the culprits.
