Protest Rallies Held In Manipur Over Kuki Village Gunfight, ‘Ex-CM Audio Tape’ Row

Thousands of people staged protest rallies across Kuki-majority areas in Manipur on Wednesday, condemning a recent gunfight in Ukhrul district that left two persons dead and demanding swift action over an alleged audio tape linked to former Chief Minister N Biren Singh .

The demonstrations, organised by the Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights (KWOHR) and the Kuki Women Union (KWU) , were held in Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, Chandel, and Tengnoupal districts . At the Koite Ground in Churachandpur , leaders condemned the April 24 attack on Mulam and Songphel villages , where two people were killed in a gunfight with suspected militants.

Protesters alleged that no concrete action has been taken so far either in the killings or in the matter of the purported audio tape, which surfaced during the peak of ethnic violence in 2024. The tape is said to contain a voice resembling Biren Singh making controversial remarks about the conflict, though its authenticity remains unverified .

Calling for swift judicial intervention , the organisations said the matter is pending before the Supreme Court of India. The KWOHR has submitted transcripts of the recordings to a court-appointed investigating officer and the National Human Rights Commission , seeking a thorough probe into the tape and accountability if any wrongdoing is established.

Participants marched from Koite Ground to the Wall of Remembrance , raising slogans against the former chief minister and demanding his arrest. A memorandum addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi was submitted through the district administration, seeking immediate action on both the gun attack and the audio tape controversy .

The protests reflect deeper tensions stemming from the ethnic conflict between Meiteis and Kukis , rooted in disputes over land rights, political representation, and identity . Violence that began in May 2023 has claimed over 260 lives and displaced thousands, fuelling mistrust and segregation between hill and valley communities.

Amid continuing unrest and delays in investigation outcomes, demonstrators said the protests would continue until there is transparent action and justice .