Imphal, May 25: The Working Committee of Kuki Civil Society Organisations (WCKCSOs)-Ukhrul has alleged that Mongkot Chepu village in Manipur’s Ukhrul district came under a coordinated armed attack on the night of May 23 and called for stronger operational authority for security forces to prevent further violence in the area.
In a statement issued on May 24, the organisation claimed that indiscriminate firing began around 10 pm from several directions, including Leingangching near S. Laho Tangkhul village, areas close to Litan Police Station, and the Lilen Ridge region of Sikibung, also known as Sharkaphung Tangkhul village.
According to the organisation, the coordinated pattern of firing suggested a planned assault targeting the Kuki community residing in Mongkot Chepu. It stated that the incident followed nearly a week of relative calm and had heightened concerns among villagers regarding their safety and continued presence in parts of Ukhrul district.
The organisation further alleged that earlier the same day, at around 4 pm, worshippers returning from church in Mongkot Chepu had come under intermittent firing from the Lilen Ridge area. It claimed that one villager, identified as Ngamkhohen Khongsai, suffered an injury to his palm after narrowly escaping a bullet strike.
Describing the alleged targeting of civilians and worshippers as alarming, the organisation strongly condemned the incident. It also acknowledged the intervention of the Bihar Regiment, stating that the Army’s timely response helped prevent further escalation of the situation.
At the same time, WCKCSOs-Ukhrul alleged that security personnel deployed in the area were functioning with limited authority and urged the government to provide what it termed a clear and decisive operational mandate to address attacks on civilian settlements.
The organisation also maintained that residents could not be blamed for self-defence measures if repeated attacks continued and preventive actions remained inadequate.
Meanwhile, in a separate directive, the Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO)-Ukhrul instructed village youth clubs and KSO units in Ukhrul and Kamjong districts to install signboards identifying their villages as part of Kangpokpi district. The organisation stated that the process should be completed by June 1 and warned that action could be taken against units that fail to comply within the specified period.
