Imphal, April 28 – In a disturbing case of alleged domestic and ethnic violence, Manipur Police have arrested a Meitei man for the brutal torture of his wife, a 21-year-old woman from the tribal Kuki community, officials reported on Monday.
The accused, identified as Inaocha Khaidem, was taken into custody after a First Information Report (FIR) was filed at the women’s police station in Churachandpur district, citing multiple acts of domestic abuse.
According to the FIR, Khaidem and members of his family inflicted severe physical and mental abuse on the young woman, whom he married several years ago. She is currently being treated for her injuries at the Churachandpur district hospital.
Authorities confirmed that a detailed investigation into the incident is underway.
The Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights (KWOHR) issued a strong condemnation of what it described as “inhuman and barbaric acts” committed not only by the husband but also by the Meira Paibis, a women’s vigilante group traditionally known for advocating social justice.
The Kuki Women’s body – KWOHR General Secretary **Kimneihoi Lhungdim** stated that the victim hails from the Tangjing area in Bishnupur district and had been residing in the New Checkon locality of Imphal. According to a statement issued by the group, the woman suffered severe abuse—both physical and psychological—over an extended period.
“She was savagely beaten, bound to a bed with her hands and legs tied, and denied food and water for three consecutive days,” the KWOHR said.
On Sunday, the woman was reportedly abandoned near **Ningthoukong Gate**, where a local resident discovered her and escorted her to a Kuki-majority village. Upon reaching the village, she collapsed from exhaustion and extensive injuries. Her family later found her body covered in bruises, indicating sustained and extreme violence.
KWOHR also revealed that the woman had previously survived a violent attack in 2023 during the outbreak of ethnic clashes. She was reportedly targeted by members of the radical Meitei group Arambai Tenggol, who attempted to kill her by slitting her throat and leaving her for dead by the roadside. Her life was saved by the swift response of the Manipur Police and timely medical care.
The KWOHR expressed deep frustration and sorrow over the transformation of the Meira Paibis, once defenders of women’s rights, into what they now describe as agents of ethnic hostility.
“With the continued ethnic cleansing of Kuki communities by Meitei groups, the Meira Paibis have repeatedly played a complicit role in heinous acts including the rape, torture, and murder of Kuki women and girls,” the organization stated.
The KWOHR urged national and international human rights bodies to take serious note of the escalating violence and demanded immediate action to stop the atrocities against the Kuki community in Manipur. (Edited)
