Imphal, May 29: The Kuki Inpi South-West Sadar Hills (KISWSH) has alleged that sections of Zeliangrong-Inpui groups and underground outfits were involved in attacks, intimidation campaigns and economic blockades targeting Kuki villages in Manipur, while asserting that the restraint shown by the Kuki community should not be interpreted as weakness.
In a statement, the organisation said it had engaged in dialogue and peace-building initiatives with neighbouring Zeliangrong-Inpui village authorities since 2024, including consultations in the Tupul, Khonglong and Waphong-Pungmon areas, with the aim of preserving communal harmony and preventing escalation of tensions.
The KISWSH claimed it had also intervened in disputes involving Konsaram, Leilon Phanjang and Tangnom villages and maintained that it continued to support peaceful coexistence despite what it described as repeated harassment of Kuki communities.
The organisation listed several alleged incidents that reportedly took place between September 2025 and March 2026, including vandalism of village signboards, arson attacks on farm huts, intimidation of farmers, damage to agricultural infrastructure and armed assaults on villages.
Among the allegations, the KISWSH claimed cadres linked to the ZUF-Kamson faction were involved in arson attacks in the Maolhang and Songjang Waphong areas. It further alleged that armed groups from Waphong Inthan dismantled security shelters, damaged water supply infrastructure and vandalised security vehicles in K. Songlung village.
The body also alleged that an unauthorised toll gate had been established by individuals from Ireng along the Kangpokpi-Churachandpur route, where vehicles were allegedly charged Rs 500. According to the organisation, the funds collected were being used to support underground outfits operating in the region.
Despite the alleged incidents, the KISWSH stated that Kuki communities had refrained from retaliatory actions in order to prevent further ethnic tensions and maintain public order.
The organisation further alleged that some members of the Zeliangrong-Inpui community had called for economic blockades against Kukis and imposed restrictions on movement and supplies through Naga-administered areas. It claimed that roads connecting Tingkai, Joujangtek and Khonglong-Khoripok had been blocked, leaving several Kuki villages isolated.
Referring to the law-and-order situation following the May 13 ambush incident, the organisation said it had appealed to neighbouring Zeliangrong-Inpui residents not to leave their villages, asserting that there was no communal conflict between the two communities. However, it alleged that civilians were detained in the aftermath and called for their release through dialogue.
The KISWSH also rejected allegations linking Leilon village chief Lalboi Vaiphei to the violence, claiming he was not present in the area during the incident. It cautioned against the circulation of what it described as fabricated or digitally manipulated material aimed at implicating him.
Calling for intervention by the Manipur government and security agencies, the organisation urged authorities to conduct an impartial investigation into the allegations and take measures to prevent further deterioration of the situation. It added that lasting peace in the region would require the involvement and commitment of all stakeholders.
