Justice Demanded for Kuki Woman as Ethnic Tensions Escalate in Manipur

Organizations demand justice for a Kuki woman from Manipur who died from illness linked to trauma after being gang-raped. Clashes between Meiteis and Kuki-Zo groups have resulted in 260 deaths. Calls for a separate administration for Kukis are intensifying due to safety concerns.

Justice is being sought for a Kuki woman who recently died from illness believed to be connected to the trauma she endured following a gang rape amid Manipur's ethnic violence in 2023. Organizations are urging recognition of her death as a consequence of the violence she suffered.

The woman, who was kidnapped and assaulted in May 2023, managed to escape her captors but never recovered from the ordeal, passing away on January 10 during treatment. In response, various Kuki groups are demanding a separate administration, citing an inability to coexist with the Meitei community.

The ethnic conflict between Imphal's Meiteis and the Kuki-Zo population has led to over 260 fatalities and thousands of displacements. Advocates argue that meaningful action has been lacking, calling for federal intervention to establish a separate governance structure to ensure the safety and dignity of the Kuki-Zo community.

(With inputs from agencies.)