Imphal, May 27: The Kuki CSO Working Committee, Ukhrul, has alleged that Mongkot Chepu village in Manipur’s Ukhrul district was subjected to a prolonged armed assault on the evening of May 26 and accused the state government of failing to provide adequate protection to Kuki-Zo civilians residing in vulnerable areas.
In a statement addressed to the Chief Minister, Chief Secretary, Director General of Police, Security Advisor, Ukhrul Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police, the organisation claimed that the attack began at approximately 6:48 pm and was launched from multiple directions.
According to the committee, armed groups allegedly operating from areas near the Litan Sareikhong-Tangkhul Police Station and the Sikibung-Lilen Ridge carried out the assault. The organisation stated that the attack continued for more than four hours and reportedly ended around 11:08 pm.
The statement further alleged that mortars and other “sophisticated weapons” were used during the incident.
Describing the incident as a “grave security failure”, the committee claimed that repeated attacks on Mongkot Chepu reflected what it termed a “dangerous pattern of emboldened aggression” against Kuki-Zo settlements situated in fringe areas of Ukhrul and Kamjong districts.
The organisation said this was not the first instance of violence targeting Mongkot Chepu and questioned how long residents would continue living under what it described as a “recurring siege”.
The committee also alleged that the response from both the Manipur government and the Centre had been inadequate, stating that continued silence had increased fear among Kuki-Zo residents and could affect public trust in the neutrality of the administration if urgent action was not taken.
It further argued that authorities should either guarantee minimum security for vulnerable civilian populations or clearly state their inability to do so and facilitate alternative arrangements.
Criticising existing security measures, the organisation claimed that the government risked being remembered for “distributing ballistic vests and helmets to endangered civilians instead of securing their constitutional right to life and safety”.
The Kuki CSO Working Committee urged authorities to immediately initiate operational measures to secure vulnerable settlements and prevent further escalation in the region.
