Over death of Zosangkim Hmar, Kuki-zo protested in Kangpokpi

Imphal: An overwhelming wave of anger and sorrow surged through Sadar Hills as hundreds of Kuki-Zo women from the Saikul region congregated in Saikul Hill Town, about 35 kilometers from Kangpokpi District Headquarters.

The protesters gathered to demand justice for the death of Zosangkim Hmar, a school teacher and mother of three in Zairawn village of Jiribam district.

This incident has intensified calls for accountability from the Jiribam District Administration and the security forces, including the CRPF and Assam Rifles, who are now being accused of failing to protect the community.

Organized by the Kuki Women Union Saikul under the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), today’s protest in Saikul expressed deep frustration at the administration’s and security forces’ alleged disregard for community safety.

Protesters chanted, “We Condemn the Brutal Killing of Zosangkim Hmar,” “We Demand Justice,” and “We Demand Union Territory with Legislature,”.

Ngahpi Chongloi, a leading member of the Kuki Women Union Saikul, spoke to the media, saying, “We are protesting against an unspeakable crime. The brutality of this attack is beyond words.”

She explained that on November 7, in Zairawn village armed militants allegedly launched an attack despite a peace agreement reached on August 1 with central forces present. “The villagers had no reason to expect such a brutal attack.

Our sister, Zosangkim Hmar, was killed in the assault. She was not only shot; she was also raped and burned, with the intent to hide all evidence.”

Chongloi said that this attack is part of a larger pattern of violence against Kuki minority women, questioning, “Are we not Indian enough that our voices continue to go unheard?” She called on the central government to apprehend those responsible, noting, “A mother and teacher was taken from us, leaving behind three children. We won’t stop until justice is served.”

The Kuki Women Union vowed to persist with demonstrations until the government takes decisive action. “We will not remain silent. Zosangkim Hmar’s death demands accountability, and we expect security assurances for our people,” Chongloi said.

Another protest leader voiced the community’s discontent, saying, “The Jiribam District Administration and the security forces promised peace, but they failed us. They vowed to protect us, yet allowed this brutality to happen.

Their negligence is unforgivable.” She continued, “This failure is a betrayal. We call on the central government to step in, investigate, and bring justice. Our mothers and daughters must be protected.”

Throughout Saikul Hill Town, cries for justice echoed as protesters accused the Jiribam peace pact of being a “false promise” and condemned the administration for its failure to enact protections that could prevent such violence.

Ng. Lun Kipgen, CoTU spokesperson, recalled the peace agreement held on August 1, 2024, at the Group Centre CRPF in Dayapur, Cachar, Assam, aimed at restoring peace between the Meitei and Hmar communities in Jiribam District.

Signed by top officials and community leaders, the agreement was meant to prevent violence and foster cooperation. However, three months later, Zosangkim Hmar’s death has, in Kipgen’s words, exposed this “commitment to peace” as hollow.

Kipgen criticized the government’s repeated promotion of peace without addressing the Kuki-Zo people’s primary demand: a separate Union Territory with legislative powers.

“Our people have long requested a distinct administrative boundary as the only solution for lasting peace,” he said adding that their call has often been met with accusations of obstructing peace.