Hundreds of people under the banner of the Kuki Students Organisation (KSO), Ukhrul District, staged a sit-in demonstration at Shangkai Village in Ukhrul on May 20, demanding the release of allegedly abducted Kuki-Zo civilians and expressing concern over what the organisation described as administrative inaction and continuing insecurity in parts of Manipur.
The protest was organised jointly with the Kuki Women Union (KWU) under the aegis of WCKCSOs-Ukhrul and witnessed participation from students, teachers, village leaders, civil society organisations and local residents.
During the demonstration, protesters demanded the implementation of the March 19 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), alleging that delays in its execution had aggravated the difficulties faced by sections of the Kuki student community.
Addressing the gathering, KSO Ukhrul vice-president Mercy criticised what she termed continued government inaction and urged authorities to intervene immediately.
“The failure to implement the March 19 MoU is not merely a political delay but a betrayal of trust and peace,” she said.
Referring to the alleged abductions, Mercy stated that the missing individuals belonged to their community and that their disappearance had created fear, anxiety and uncertainty among residents.
The protest site echoed with slogans demanding immediate implementation of agreements, release of the allegedly abducted civilians and stronger security arrangements in the hill districts of the state.
KSO leaders maintained that the movement would remain peaceful while continuing to press for justice, protection of rights and improved security measures.
The protest comes amid continuing ethnic tensions in Manipur, where different community organisations have repeatedly raised concerns regarding security, governance and the impact of prolonged unrest in the hill areas.
Authorities had not publicly responded to the allegations raised during the protest till the filing of this report.
