Mon Jan 19 01:19:15 UTC 2026: ### Manipur Violence Echoes as Kuki Groups Demand Justice and Separate Administration

The Story: The death of a Kuki woman in January 2026, allegedly due to trauma sustained after being gang-raped during the May 2023 Manipur ethnic violence, has reignited calls for justice and a separate administration for the Kuki community. Kuki organizations in Manipur’s Churachandpur and Delhi claim the woman was kidnapped and gang-raped in Imphal and never fully recovered from the ordeal. They assert that living with the Meitei community is no longer viable and demand immediate action.

Key Points:

  • The deceased woman was allegedly gang-raped during the early phase of the May 2023 ethnic violence in Manipur.
  • Kuki organizations claim the woman was kidnapped in Imphal and died on January 10, 2026, while undergoing treatment in Guwahati due to the trauma suffered.
  • The Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF) and the Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO), Delhi & NCR, are demanding a separate administration for the Kuki community.
  • The ITLF organized a candlelight procession in Churachandpur to honor the victim.
  • The KSO is calling for the Centre to expedite the creation of a separate administration for tribals.
  • At least 260 people have died and thousands have been rendered homeless since the beginning of the violence in May 2023.
  • Manipur has been under President’s Rule since February 2025.

Key Takeaways:

  • The unresolved trauma and lack of justice for victims of the 2023 Manipur violence continue to fuel ethnic tensions.
  • The demand for a separate administration highlights the deep-seated mistrust and animosity between the Kuki and Meitei communities.
  • The Centre’s intervention and resolution of the administrative demands are crucial to preventing further escalation of violence.
  • The death is a stark reminder of the brutal realities of ethnic conflict and the long-lasting impact of sexual violence.
  • Civil society organizations are playing a critical role in advocating for justice and supporting affected communities.

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