GUWAHATI, Nov 13: Kuki Inpi Manipur alleged ethnic bias in Manipur Police statements on two separate shooting incidents on November 12 and gave the force 72 hours to order an inquiry, issue a public clarification and take corrective action.
In a statement issued on November 13, the organisation questioned the language and presentation used by police in its statements on the two incidents.
It alleged that 40-year-old Kuki woman Kimeneing Chongloi was shot dead while harvesting paddy, but police described the case only as a shooting incident without identifying or describing those involved.
In contrast, police described the attackers in another statement on the shooting of a Tangkhul Naga civilian, who was injured on the same day, as “suspected Kuki armed miscreants”, Kuki Inpi alleged.
The organisation sought an explanation for the differing language. It also asked whether the suspects in the second case had been identified or arrested, and whether the firing had come from Lungter Hill.
Kuki Inpi said Manipur Police had selectively reported incidents and presented information on the basis of ethnic identity since May 3, 2023. It alleged that a constitutional institution such as the police was biased in identifying the ethnic identity of accused persons while describing the killings of Kuki civilians as unidentified shooting incidents.
The organisation demanded an immediate internal inquiry to identify the police officials who prepared, approved and circulated the two statements. It referred to Article 14 of the Constitution, which guarantees equality before the law.
It said it would pursue legal and constitutional action if police did not provide a clarification and take corrective measures within 72 hours. It also said cooperation with police could be suspended in Kuki-dominated areas.
Kuki Inpi demanded that police use uniform, evidence-based and impartial language while releasing information on incidents involving civilians from different communities.
