A significant demonstration was organized by women in Manipur's Churachandpur district on Thursday, with participants calling for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's direct intervention to ensure justice for Kuki-Zo victims of sexual violence and murder. The sit-in protest at Tuibong gained momentum following the recent death of a Kuki woman, whose passing was attributed to illness linked to trauma from a gang-rape incident over two years ago during the early stages of ethnic violence in May 2023.
Organized Protest for Human Rights
The protest was coordinated under the banner of the Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights (KWOHR) and the women's wing of the Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF). These groups have been vocal in their demands for the administration to arrest and prosecute individuals involved in the rapes and murders of Kuki-Zo women during the state's ongoing violence. In a memorandum submitted to the Prime Minister through the Churachandpur deputy commissioner, the organizations highlighted the urgent need to address systematic sexual violence, brutal killings, and severe human rights violations committed against Kuki-Zo women throughout the Manipur crisis.
Key Demands and Statistics
The memorandum outlined several critical demands, including time-bound, transparent, and accountable investigations, with strict monitoring of agencies like the CBI. It revealed alarming statistics, stating that from May 2023 to November 2024, at least 29 Kuki-Zo women were brutally killed in Manipur. The victims included young women, elderly individuals, and even a mentally challenged woman, underscoring the widespread impact of the violence.
Furthermore, the protesters called for all cases of sexual violence against Kuki-Zo women during the crisis to be recognized as crimes against humanity. They also demanded adequate compensation, long-term rehabilitation, and comprehensive mental healthcare for rape survivors and their families, along with protection for witnesses to ensure their safety.
Background of the Kuki-Zo Community
The Kuki-Zo community represents a diverse group of ethnic people inhabiting the hills of Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Assam, Tripura, as well as parts of Bangladesh and Myanmar. Known for their distinct culture, language, and shared ancestry, this community has been at the center of the ethnic conflicts in Manipur, facing significant challenges and violence.
Recent Tragedies and Broader Context
The protest was partly triggered by the death of a Kuki woman on January 10, who had been allegedly kidnapped in Imphal and gang-raped in May 2023. Although she managed to escape her kidnappers, she never fully recovered from the shock and injuries, leading to her eventual demise. This incident has galvanized Kuki organizations in Churachandpur and Delhi, who last week demanded justice for her and called for a separate administration for the Kukis, citing the impossibility of coexistence with the Meitei community.
The ethnic violence between Imphal Valley-based Meiteis and hills-based Kuki-Zo groups in Manipur since May 2023 has resulted in at least 260 deaths and left thousands homeless. The state has been under President's rule since February last year, highlighting the ongoing instability and need for resolution. The protesters' actions reflect a growing frustration and a plea for national attention to address these grave injustices and restore peace in the region.
