Patricia Mukhim Releases Book Documenting Kuki-Zo Women’s Suffering in Manipur Violence

A book detailing the painful experiences of Kuki-Zo women who were victims of the ethnic violence that began in Manipur on May 3, 2023, has been released by Patricia Mukhim. The book launch was organized by the Kuki-Zo Women’s Forum of Delhi & NCR in New Delhi.

While Patricia Mukhim facilitated the release, the book itself is a record compiled by a documentation team. It shares the stories of women who were brutally killed, including some who were shot and then burned. It also records the deaths of women who couldn’t get medical help, sometimes during childbirth, and the tragic deaths of infants due to lack of medical care.

The book further lists women who survived the violence despite suffering injuries. The book highlights the ongoing fear among the Kuki-Zo people, who are still afraid to return to their jobs and schools in the Imphal valley. This fear indicates that not enough has been done to make them feel safe and secure.

The fact that Kuki-Zo people cannot use the Imphal airport and have to travel long distances to Dimapur or Aizawl for air travel suggests a lack of concern from authorities in ensuring their well-being. This book serves as an important historical record of the violence and the suffering endured by the Kuki-Zo community, thanks to the dedicated efforts of the documentation team who conducted the ground research.