New Delhi: The Kuki Students' Organisation (KSO) Delhi-NCR, on Saturday, demanded justice for three church leaders killed in Manipur earlier this month, the immediate release of 14 alleged hostages, and a political resolution to the ongoing ethnic conflict in the state, PTI reported.
Addressing a press conference in the national Capital, the KSO alleged that members of the Kuki-Zo community continued to face violence, displacement and insecurity more than three years after ethnic clashes broke out in Manipur.
The organisation expressed concern over the killing of three Thadou-Kuki church leaders on May 13, alleging that armed militants ambushed their vehicles.
It claimed that no arrests had been made in connection with the incident so far and urged the Centre to ensure a time-bound investigation and bring those responsible to justice.
"We express our deep disappointment that, despite widespread public outrage and the gravity of the crime, no arrests have been made to date. We call upon the Government of India to immediately identify and apprehend all those responsible, ensure a fair and time-bound investigation by competent central agencies...," they wrote in a statement.
KSO Delhi-NCR also sought the "safe, immediate and unconditional" release of 14 Kuki-Zo individuals allegedly held by Naga groups in Senapati district, describing the incident as a serious violation of human rights.
"The inability of the authorities to secure their release despite several days has generated fear and anxiety among the Kuki-Zo people," they said.
The student body alleged that members of the Kuki-Zo community had faced targeted attacks, displacement and destruction of villages and places of worship since the outbreak of violence, and raised concerns over what it described as "selective justice" in the handling of cases related to the conflict.
It called on the Centre to strengthen security in Kuki-Zo inhabited areas, prevent further violence, ensure humanitarian access and uphold constitutional rights without discrimination.
The organisation also reiterated its demand for an expedited political dialogue with groups representing the Kuki-Zo community and sought a constitutional arrangement that would address the community's security and political concerns.
KSO Delhi-NCR said lasting peace in Manipur would require justice, accountability and a political settlement acceptable to all stakeholders.
"The Kuki-Zo people are not seeking sympathy or special favour. We are demanding justice, equal protection under the Constitution, security, and the fundamental right to live with dignity and peace," they said.