In Manipur, Kuki-Zo women are protesting customary ‘settlement’ of rape, domestic violence cases

On April 8, a 27-year-old woman from Manipur was allegedly killed by her live-in partner in Delhi’s Munirka area.

On the same day, her partner, Jagminthang Haokip, a native of Manipur's Senapati district, was arrested. Both were Kukis. According to the police, he suspected his partner of having an affair.

As news of the dead spread, a Delhi-based Kuki group intervened. According to a WhatsApp channel run by Kuki-Zos from Manipur, the Kuki Welfare Delhi contacted the woman’s family and suggested that they agree to “a customary settlement”. They advised the families not to share the news of the death or speak to national news channels.

Eventually, the families agreed to bury the case.

An agreement signed by both families in Churachandpur two days after her killing said that the case had been settled according to customary traditions and law. Scroll has seen a copy of this agreement.

“On this day, April 10, 2025, … a settlement has been reached regarding the unfortunate event in Delhi…. This resolution has been achieved through thorough discussion and mutual agreement, in accordance with the customary laws of our forefathers, with the aim of fostering understanding and peace moving forward. As the matter has now been settled, all parties are requested to respect this resolution and refrain...

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