Kukis' Self-Defence Justification

A Question of Survival and Security

The recent appeal by the Governor of Manipur urging both hill and valley-based armed groups to surrender their weapons within seven days raises serious concerns, especially for the Kuki-Zo tribal community. For the past 19 months, Kukis have suffered relentless attacks orchestrated by radical Meitei groups like Arambai Tenggol and Meitei Leepun, along with banned valley-based insurgent groups. Entire villages have been burned, families displaced, and hundreds of innocent lives lost.

Demanding that the Kukis lay down their arms without first ensuring the disarmament of separatist Meitei militants and their associated cultural militias is not just unfair—it’s a direct threat to the safety and survival of the Kuki-Zo people.

Constitutional Validity: The Right to Self-Defense

The Indian Constitution guarantees every citizen the fundamental right to life and personal liberty under Article 21. This right naturally includes self-defense, especially when the State fails to provide security. When law enforcement has either been ineffective—or, worse, complicit—in attacks against Kukis, the community’s need for self-defense becomes not just understandable but legally justifiable.

The Supreme Court of India has repeatedly upheld the right to self-defense in cases where there is a genuine threat to life and property. Given the continued assaults on Kuki villages, surrendering arms under the present circumstances would strip the community of its last means of protection, leaving them vulnerable to future attacks by hostile Meitei militias.

Why Kukis Took Up Arms in the first place?

May 3-5, 2023 – The Genocide in Imphal: Meitei mobs, backed by N. Biren Singh’s private militia Arambai Tenggol and Meitei Leepun, unleashed brutal violence against Kukis. Men were lynched, women were assaulted, and the police either watched passively or actively assisted the attackers.

Destruction of Kuki Homes in Imphal: Hundreds of Kuki families were forcibly evicted, their homes torched, while the authorities failed to intervene.

Continued Attacks on Border Villages: Kuki settlements on the borders have been under constant assault by Meitei groups seeking to expand their territory. In response, Kukis have had no choice but to establish self-defense mechanisms in these vulnerable areas.

Complicity of State Forces: There have been multiple incidents where state police either handed over Kuki villagers to Meitei mobs or deliberately withdrew to allow attacks to take place. This has further deepened the community’s distrust in state protection.
Until those responsible for these atrocities are held accountable and the separatist Meitei groups are fully disarmed, expecting Kukis to surrender their weapons is equivalent to leaving them defenseless.

Separatist Meitei Groups: The Real Threat

Arambai Tenggol: This extremist group openly brandishes weapons and has openly called for the ethnic cleansing of Kukis. They operate with complete impunity in Imphal and other areas.

Meitei Leepun: While claiming to be a cultural organization, this group functions as a vigilante force, frequently targeting Kuki settlements under the guise of “protecting Meitei interests.”

UNLF, PLA, PREPAK: These long-standing separatist groups advocate for Manipur’s secession from India and maintain sophisticated weaponry. Their collaboration with cultural militias creates a dangerous mix of insurgency and ethnic violence.

Why Kukis Must Guard Their Borders

The porous borders between Kuki-dominated hills and Meitei-dominated valleys are frequently exploited by radical Meitei groups to stage attacks. Until these groups are dismantled, Kukis must retain their ability to defend their homes. Disarming them prematurely would only embolden Meitei militants, leading to further bloodshed.

The Governor’s Responsibility: Who Will Ensure Safety?

If the Governor insists on disarmament, who will guarantee that no Kuki lives will be lost to future attacks? If another massacre occurs after this forced surrender, will the state take responsibility? The grim reality is that past victims of Kuki violence have received no justice, and their attackers continue to roam free.

Points the Governor Must Consider

Peace Must Follow Justice: True peace cannot be achieved by disarming the victims while the aggressors remain armed. Justice and accountability must come first.

Confidence-Building Measures Are Essential: Deploy neutral security forces, such as the Assam Rifles, along sensitive borders. Disarm Meitei armed groups and prosecute those responsible for past violence before asking Kukis to surrender their weapons.

A Human Rights Perspective: The United Nations recognizes the right of indigenous communities to defend themselves when the state fails to protect them. Forcing Kukis to disarm without ensuring their security violates their fundamental right to self-preservation.

Disarmament Should Be the Final Step, Not the First

Laying down arms must be the last step in a genuine peace process—not the first. Disarming both victims and aggressors simultaneously will only perpetuate the cycle of violence. Until separatist Meitei groups, their cultural militias, and armed mobs are neutralized, the Kukis must retain their right to protect their lives and communities.

Anything less would be a betrayal of justice, human rights, and the very principles enshrined in the Indian Constitution. The Governor and the government must rethink their approach—security, justice, and accountability must come first. Otherwise, this so-called “peace process” will be nothing more than a prelude to yet another massacre, whether tomorrow, years from now, or even decades down the line.