Manipur protestors demand release of Kuki-Zo leaders
Protestors in Manipur's Kangpokpi district are demanding the release of three Kuki-Zo community leaders arrested following an arson incident. The Committee on Tribal Unity claims the arrests are biased and highlights a broader humanitarian crisis caused by ongoing blockades.
Why it matters
The situation reflects the deep-seated ethnic tensions and civil unrest in Manipur, which continue to disrupt regional stability and humanitarian access.
Scores of Kuki-Zo people on Tuesday (July 14, 2026) staged a protest rally in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district, demanding the release of three community leaders in connection with arson in the adjoining Imphal West district on July 11.
The three leaders are Kammang Lhouvum, a retired Indian Defence Estates Service officer; Ngamboi Haokip, and Pagin Hangshing. According to the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), which organised the rally, the trio’s arrest was a “biased” action by the security forces against Kuki-Zo civil society leaders.
Condemning the arrests, the protestors sought an end to the “undue harassment” of Kuki-Zo leaders. The CoTU also submitted a memorandum to Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen, demanding the unconditional release of the three leaders.
Copies of the memorandum were forwarded to the Manipur government’s Security Advisor and the Director General of Police for necessary action.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in