IMPHAL, April 17: Mark Thangmang Haokip, who claims to be the president of the self-styled “Government of People’s Democratic Republic of Kukiland,” has been rearrested and remanded to judicial custody in connection with a fresh case, just a day after securing bail in a National Investigation Agency (NIA) case.
The latest remand order was issued by the Judicial Magistrate First Class, Imphal West, following new legal proceedings. Haokip, originally apprehended on May 24, 2022, from a residence in Kishangarh, New Delhi, faces serious charges including criminal conspiracy to secede from the Indian Union, promoting enmity between communities, and allegedly attempting to wage war against the Indian government.
Despite being granted bail by the Special Judge, NIA, Imphal West, under strict conditions — including a personal recognizance bond of ₹3 lakh and two sureties of the same amount — Haokip was taken back into custody. The bail application was submitted by his wife, Lhainikim Lhouvum alias Kikim, a resident of Churachandpur. Earlier bail pleas filed in January and March 2023 were unsuccessful.
Authorities allege that Haokip, along with associates K.S. Kipgen (Secretary of Administration), Lunkhohao Haokip (Secretary of Political Affairs), and C.S.K. Mate (Press Secretary), used online platforms — including the website www.kukigovt.com— to incite communal unrest and spread separatist propaganda. The content, reportedly shared through social media posts, was aimed at promoting discord and pushing for the creation of a breakaway state named ‘Kukiland.’
The court, while granting bail in the earlier case, imposed stringent conditions to prevent any activities deemed prejudicial to the sovereignty and integrity of India. These included barring Haokip from influencing witnesses, leaving Manipur without court approval, or engaging in any political or public activities related to the separatist movement.
