The Partisan Actions of the CRPF and BSF Have Resulted in the Loss of Several Kuki-Zo Lives, Including an Innocent Woman

In the aftermath of a brutal assault, rape, and murder of an innocent Kuki-Zo woman and the burning of several houses in Zairawn Village, Jiribam district, Meitei militants, including Arambai Tenggol and the Meitei police, have carried out relentless attacks on Kuki-Zo territories in the peripheral areas of Kangpokpi, Churachandpur, and other districts.

This heinous terrorist attack on the peaceful village of Zairawn—a Kuki-Zo community in Jiribam district—was conducted by armed Meitei militants on the night of November 7, 2024, despite the presence of large contingents of Central Armed Police Forces. The attack was followed by further violence against Kuki areas in Saibol, Twichin, Phaimol (Kangpokpi district) and Changpikot, Siden, Dampi, Saitol (Lamka district).

The continuous violence against innocent Kuki-Zo civilians is utterly reprehensible and should be met with the full force of the law. However, in a disturbing turn of events, the CRPF and BSF have reportedly shown partisan behavior, leading to the deaths of several Kuki-Zo individuals, including Zosangkim, a mother of three, who was reportedly shot, injured, raped, and burned alive.

In light of the recent events in Jiribam, 11 Kuki-Zo village volunteers lost their lives at the hands of the communal CRPF. The CRPF, allegedly in collusion with Meitei militants, indiscriminately fired upon and killed village volunteers who were seeking peace, justice, and security. Reports suggest that the CRPF personnel are stationed with Arambai Tenggol, communal state police, and UNLF cadres in Jakurador, Jiribam, which raises serious concerns.

Despite being tasked with protecting citizens and maintaining peace in the conflict-ridden region, the CRPF has come under intense scrutiny for allegedly favoring the Meiteis and contributing to the deaths and destruction affecting the Kuki-Zo people.

Alarming Video Evidence

There is clear evidence suggesting that the CRPF and BSF are colluding with Meitei armed groups—Arambai Tenggol, proscribed VBIGs, and the Meitei police—against the minority Christians. Viral video footage on social media reportedly shows Meitei police commandos, CRPF, BSF, and Arambai Tenggol actively waging violence and committing human rights abuses against the Kuki-Zo community.

A particularly disturbing incident from Saibol, Kangpokpi district, shows BSF personnel engaging in actions under duress, influenced by a Meitei village leader who reportedly pressured them to attack Kuki-Zo areas. This footage depicts verbal abuse, coercion, and direct orders from the Meitei leader for BSF soldiers to act aggressively against the Kuki-Zo community. In one video, the BSF personnel are shown firing machine guns toward Kuki areas, with the Meitei leader encouraging the use of rocket launchers.

In another video, a Meitei individual is seen expressing satisfaction with the BSF’s actions, allegedly celebrating their siding with Meitei interests by employing machine guns in the attacks on the Kuki-Zo people.

Such compliance by the BSF to civilian pressure undermines their mandate to protect all communities impartially. Their actions constitute a clear abuse of authority, disregarding the principles governing conduct in an ethnic conflict. The biased and partisan behavior of the Central Armed Police Forces must be condemned.

Serious Questions Raised

These events raise critical questions: Can a Meitei village leader lawfully order CAPF personnel to shoot Kuki-Zo people? Does the CRPF/BSF claim of neutrality hold in this ethnically charged violence? Why are they reportedly siding with Meitei armed groups against the Kukis?

Wounds That May Never Heal

The continued targeting of Kuki-Zo villages and the senseless killing of innocent civilians and village volunteers by Meitei militants, allegedly in collusion with security forces, highlight the deep-rooted animosity between the two communities. It is apparent that these wounds may never heal, and the prospects for peaceful coexistence appear bleak. These atrocities erode any foundation for trust or reconciliation, making peaceful coexistence appear unattainable. True peace between the two communities may only be achievable with a separate administration for the Kuki-Zo community.

In the face of these adversities, the Kuki-Zo people remain resolute in defending our community. Our commitment to protecting our people and land is steadfast, and we are determined to ensure justice is served. We will not rest until those responsible are held accountable, and we will ensure that no injustice goes unpunished. Those who have wronged us will be made to answer for their actions.