London: (By Hannah Chowdhry) A recent series of violent incidents in Manipur have led to widespread international outrage following the brutal assault on Kuki-Zo women by security forces. The attacks, which occurred on 31st December 2024, left over 30 women severely injured as they courageously defended their homes and land from encroachment. This marks the latest chapter in a long history of targeted violence against the Kuki-Zo community, with many villages, churches, and homes having been destroyed as part of an ongoing campaign of persecution.  Read more about the attacks on the Kuki-zo community.

A recent series of violent incidents in Manipur has drawn widespread international outrage following the brutal assault on Kuki-Zo women by Central security forces. On 31st December 2024, over 30 women were severely injured in Saibol, Kangpokpi District, as they courageously defended their homes and land from alleged encroachment by security personnel. This attack is part of a broader pattern of targeted violence against the Kuki-Zo community, which has seen numerous villages, churches, and homes destroyed in an ongoing campaign of persecution.

The women, belonging to the Christian Kuki-Zo community, had been protesting against the alleged forceful occupation of community bunkers by security forces when chaos erupted. Determined to protect their families and land, many of the women had been camping at the border of the buffer zone since 24th December 2024, following reports of militant attacks by the Meitei community. The attacks were allegedly carried out with the support of Police Commandos, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and other armed units.

As tensions escalated, security forces deployed tear gas shells and live bullets to disperse the protesters. The violent crackdown left more than 30 women injured, with some critically hurt. Several were transported to hospitals in Saikul, Kangpokpi, Senapati, Kohima, and Guwahati for treatment. Three women remain hospitalized at Kangpokpi Mission Hospital. Local charities and pastors have been providing financial assistance and prayers for the injured.

The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) of Sadar Hills, Kangpokpi District, issued an ultimatum to the government, demanding the immediate withdrawal of Central forces from Saibol by 4 p.m. CoTU warned that failure to meet their demands would result in the halting of all traffic on a vital highway essential for trade and supplies in the region.

In a statement, the Kuki Women Union condemned the actions of the Central forces, accusing them of colluding with Meitei militants. “These incidents happen against the backdrop of incessant attacks from the secessionist Meitei community since Christmas Eve, disrupting our celebrations and beyond. Saibol-Twichin is a Kuki region, beyond the buffer zones from the Meitei side, manned by the Central security forces. It is baffling that the Central forces allowed Meiteis to group, plan, and attack us, crossing the buffer zones, and when we act to protect ourselves, they forcefully entered our land to destroy our bunkers and leave us defenseless,” the statement read.

The World Kuki-Zo Intellectual Council (WKZIC) strongly condemned the violence, criticizing both the state and central governments for their failure to protect the Kuki-Zo community. They described the deployment of the CRPF and Border Security Force (BSF) to annex Kuki territory as unlawful and unacceptable. The WKZIC also called for the immediate implementation of agreements to safeguard the rights and security of the Kuki-Zo people.

Juliet Chowdhry, Trustee of the British Asian Christian Association (BACA), expressed her outrage and solidarity with the Kuki-Zo people. “The brutal treatment of Kuki women in Saibol is deeply disturbing,” she said. “It is appalling that bodies like the National Commission for Women and UN Women have remained silent in the face of such inhumanity. The lack of accountability for these actions only enables further violence and injustice. The Indian government must act immediately to hold those responsible accountable and ensure the safety and dignity of the Kuki-Zo people.”

On 14 April 2023, the Manipur High Court directed the state government to recommend Scheduled Tribe status for the Meitei community, a move later criticized by the Supreme Court. Protesting this demand, the All Tribal Students’ Union Manipur organized peaceful marches on 3 May. Following one such march, clashes erupted between Kuki and Meitei groups near the Churachandpur and Bishnupur district border, escalating into widespread violence, house burnings, and targeted attacks. Within a week, 100 Kukis had been killed some burned alive within their own houses. (click here). Christmas celebrations were subdued and sombre in 2023 as nearly 200 bodies were laid to rest in two mass burial (click here).

Since then, tensions have escalated, with over 300 churches destroyed and numerous militant attacks (click here). Over 70,000 Christians have been displaced, further impacted by severe flooding during June’s monsoon (click here). On 7th November, 10 more Christians were killed under suspicious circumstances involving security forces, sparking a coffin rally of 10,000 people (click here). Peace continues to elude Christians in Manipur.

The BACA has joined the WKZIC in calling on the Indian government and the international community to take immediate action to stop the violence and protect the rights of the Kuki-Zo community. The ongoing failure of the buffer zone to prevent violence has underscored the urgent need for stronger measures to ensure peace and security for all affected communities.

The British Asian Christian Association has raised £1000, which has been sent to Rev. Chongloi to provide warm clothing for displaced children whose families have lost everything due to the recent violence. We are now aiming to raise an additional £1000 to extend this support to families in other camps set up by churches and Christian charities. With your help, we can ensure that more children are protected from the cold and experience the warmth of God’s love. Please consider donating (here).

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