A Kuki civil society body has warned of “full-scale self-defence” following a series of violent incidents in Manipur’s Ukhrul district, holding both the state government and the Centre responsible for any escalation.
The Kuki CSO Working Committee in Ukhrul alleged that coordinated attacks were carried out across several Kuki-inhabited villages on April 24, terming the incidents a “clear declaration of war”.
According to the committee, armed assailants launched a multi-directional offensive from Sirarikhong and Sinakeithel, targeting villages including Mulam, Shongphel, Mongkot Chepu, Shangkai and Zalenbung.
An ambush along the IVR route between Mulam and Shongphel reportedly led to the deaths of two Kuki village volunteers — Paominlun Haolai (22) and Letlal Sitlhou (41) — who were attempting to assist residents during the attacks.
At least nine people were injured in the violence. The committee said the injured included L Vahneilhing Mate, Letjakai Kipgen, Ngamgousem Baite, Nemneichong Baite, Lhingkhoneng Haokip, Chinneikim Baite, Baby Chinnunkim Baite, Lalkhohao Vaiphei and Seilenmang Simte.
The body further alleged that 16 houses in Mulam village were destroyed in arson, affecting multiple families.
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It said the timely intervention of the 4th Mahar Regiment, along with personnel from the Border Security Force, helped prevent further damage. Security forces also carried out rescue operations, evacuating the injured, including a minor girl and an elderly person.
Citing a police spot inquiry, the committee claimed that ammunition recovered from the site was traced to looted state armoury stocks allegedly linked to Arambai Tenggol. It also alleged the involvement of Tangkhul militants associated with NSCN (EF), describing the incidents as part of a sustained attempt to displace Kuki communities from the district.
The committee reported that Mongkot Chepu village faced a prolonged attack between 10 am and 2 pm, followed by renewed gunfire later in the evening, prompting defensive action by village volunteers.
In a separate incident, Shangkai and Zalenbung villages reportedly came under heavy fire, despite the presence of security forces in the area.
Describing the violence as a “coordinated campaign of aggression”, the committee alleged that the scale of attacks on Kuki civilians was being underreported.
Rejecting claims that Sinakeithel was attacked by Kuki groups, it termed such reports “false narratives” aimed at diverting attention.
Warning that the situation had reached a critical stage, the committee said any further escalation would rest with the state government and the Centre
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