Churachandpur Feb 2: The Kuki Lawyers’ Association has strongly condemned alleged incidents of arson, abduction and human rights violations reported at K. Songlung village on January 26. The Association has attributed the incident to armed cadres of the Zeliangrong United Front–Kamson faction (ZUF-K).
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| A house allegedly torched in Songlung village on January 26; incident blamed on ZUF-K |
In a statement, the Association alleged that several homes and farm structures were set on fire, villagers were abducted and detained, and residents were subjected to intimidation and cruel treatment. It expressed grave concern over what it described as a pattern of violence targeting civilians.
The Association highlighted the alleged abduction of Advocate Kaiminlen Haokip, a member of the Bar Council of Manipur and the Kuki Lawyers’ Association. According to the statement, the advocate was tied, blindfolded and held under armed threat—acts the Association said amount to serious criminal offences and undermine the independence and safety of officers of the court.
Elderly villagers, persons with disabilities and members of the legal fraternity were reportedly among the victims. The Association cited allegations of extreme cruelty, including a 106-year-old bedridden man being dragged from his bed, tied and forced to witness his home being burned. A visually impaired elderly person was also allegedly subjected to similar treatment.
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Terming the destruction of homes, plantations and farm infrastructure as collective punishment, the Association said such acts are impermissible under domestic law, the Constitution of India, and international human rights standards. It stated that the alleged incidents violate fundamental rights guaranteed under Articles 14, 19 and 21, as well as international human rights instruments.
The Kuki Lawyers’ Association has demanded immediate action against those responsible, a time-bound investigation, security for affected villagers and compensation for victims. It warned that failure to act decisively could embolden further lawlessness and violence, amounting to a serious abdication of the State’s constitutional and international obligations.
