Imphal, April 25: The Kuki CSO Working Committee in Ukhrul district has issued a strong warning following a series of violent incidents in Kuki-inhabited villages, describing the attacks as a “clear declaration of war” and stating that communities may resort to full-scale self-defence if the situation worsens. The committee has held both the state government and the Centre responsible for any further escalation.
In a detailed statement, the committee alleged that coordinated assaults were carried out by Tangkhul militants across multiple villages, including Mulam, Shongphel, Mongkot Chepu, Shangkai and Zalenbung, over the course of April 24.
According to the statement, the violence began in the early hours of the day, with armed assailants launching a multi-directional offensive from Sirarikhong and Sinakeithel. An ambush was reportedly set up along the IVR route between Mulam and Shongphel, resulting in the deaths of two Kuki village volunteers, Paominlun Haolai (22) and Letlal Sitlhou (41), who were attempting to assist residents under attack.
At least nine individuals were injured in the incidents. The committee also reported that 16 houses in Mulam village were completely destroyed in subsequent arson, affecting multiple households and displacing residents.
The statement noted that timely intervention by the 4th Mahar Regiment helped prevent further damage, while personnel from the Border Security Force assisted in rescue operations and evacuated the injured, including a minor and an elderly individual.
Citing findings from 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 further alleged involvement of Tangkhul militants associated with NSCN (EF), describing the incidents as part of a sustained effort to displace Kuki communities from the district.
The committee also reported a prolonged attack on Mongkot Chepu between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm, followed by renewed firing later in the afternoon, prompting village volunteers to engage in defensive action. In another incident around 5:45 pm, Shangkai and Zalenbung villages reportedly came under heavy gunfire from the Thawai Tangkhul direction, allegedly involving cadres linked to NSCN factions, despite the presence of security forces.
Describing the developments as a “coordinated campaign of aggression”, the committee alleged that the scale of violence against Kuki civilians was being underreported. It also claimed that injured Tangkhul attackers were being airlifted for treatment.
Rejecting reports that Sinakeithel was attacked by Kuki groups, the committee termed such claims as “false narratives” aimed at diverting attention from incidents in Kuki villages.
Stating that the situation has reached a critical point, the committee warned that any further fallout from the ongoing violence would rest entirely with the state government and the Government of India.
