Manipur: Massive Kuki Rally Seeks Justice For Slain Pastors, Release Of Captives.

Imphal; May 2026: Amid continuing tensions in Manipur’s hill districts, the Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights (KWOHR) today (Saturday – 16th May 2026) has organised a massive rally in Churachandpur, demanding justice for the victims of the May 13 Kangpokpi ambush.

The rally began from Koite Ground and proceeded towards the Wall of Remembrance Peace Ground. During the demonstration, protesters raised slogans demanding respect for human rights, an end to the killings of Kuki-Zo people and ‘befitting punishment’ for those responsible for the ambush on the Imphal bypass road between Churachandpur and Kangpokpi. Demonstrators also raised slogans demanding separate administration for the Kuki-Zo community and urging the NSCN-IM to ‘stop killing.

Addressing the press during the protest, KWOHR president Ngaineikim said the rally was organised against the ‘brutal killing of the 03 pastors in the ambush on the stretch between Saparmeina and Kotlen. “We want justice to be given to the 03 victims and we want the Union Home Minister to initiate an immediate enquiry into the case”, she said.

The organisation also submitted a memorandum through the Deputy Commissioner of Churachandpur, demanding the re-imposition of President’s Rule in the state, enhanced security deployment in Kuki-Zo inhabited areas, a high-level probe into the killings and immediate action against the ZUF-Kamson and NSCN-IM, while further appealing for the safe release of villagers allegedly abducted from Taphou Kuki village on May 13.

Meanwhile, uncertainty continues over the exact number of people still missing or allegedly being held captive following the violence, with conflicting figures emerging from different groups. While earlier official statements had put the number of captives at 38, sources said the state government is yet to ascertain the exact figure. KWOHR, however, claimed that 14 villagers remained detained, while the Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO), Churachandpur, had earlier stated that 15 villagers from the same village were still being held captive, indicating that the number of missing or detained persons may be higher than initially reported.

The protest comes days after three leaders of the Thadou Baptist Association, namely Reverand Visehlow, Pastor Pawlolin and Pastor Kalgolun, were killed in an ambush near the Jouzangtek area along the Imphal bypass road while travelling from Kangpokpi to Churachandpur. Following the ambush, tensions escalated further after several villagers from Taphou Kuki village in Senapati district were allegedly taken captive during retaliatory violence. 31 captives were earlier released following intervention by civil society groups and negotiations between community leaders.

However, several others are still reportedly in custody, intensifying fear and uncertainty in the region. List of 14 missing individuals claimed by Kuki Inpi Manipur, who remain unaccounted for amid the ongoing hostage crisis in Senapati:

From Taphou: Kaimang Kuki (48), Lunsei Kuki (48), Hengunsei Kuki (16), Luntinlal Kuki (30), Paotinkai Kuki (50), Thangminlen Kuki (35), Thanglenmang Kuki (30), Tonggoulen Kuki (17), Paogouthang Kuki (35), Thangtinlen Kuki (35), Sehminhao Kuki (25), Sehginlun Kuki (28), and Lamgoulen Kuki (30)

From Hengbung: Haominlun Kuki (30).

Team Maverick.