TAMENGLONG, Sept 16: The killing of two Kuki women at Leisangphai village, also known as Muktokhal, in Manipur’s Tamenglong district on September 15 triggered widespread condemnation from political leaders, legislators, civil society groups and student organisations, which called for stronger security, an independent investigation and action against those responsible.
The victims were identified by Kuki organisations as Kimjalhai Singson, 28, a recent nursing graduate, and Phalneichong Sitlhou, 76. The organisations said the two women were killed while engaged in routine agricultural activities.
The killings came days after four civilians, including two women, were reportedly killed and two others, including a minor, injured in separate incidents in Tamenglong and Noney districts on September 13, according to Kuki organisations.
Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen described the killings as “deeply shocking and heartbreaking” and said civilian safety must remain the priority. She urged the authorities to take necessary measures to prevent further attacks and bring those responsible to justice. She also appealed to people across communities to maintain peace and restraint.
Saitu MLA Haokholet Kipgen and Saikul MLA Kimneo Hangshing condemned the killings and alleged the involvement of NSCN-IM and ZUF-K cadres, while stressing that the allegations must be established through investigation. They called for stronger security for vulnerable civilian populations and prosecution of those responsible.
The Kuki Inpi Manipur alleged that the women were attacked while travelling to their jhum fields and accused NSCN-IM and ZUF (Kamson) of involvement. The Kuki-Zo Council and Committee on Tribal Unity also condemned the killings and called for firm action, while CoTU questioned security arrangements in the area.
The Kuki Inpi Jiribam, Tamenglong and Noney alleged that the killings occurred despite earlier assurances of strengthened security. It demanded arrest and prosecution of the alleged perpetrators and called for a process to abrogate the ceasefire agreement with NSCN-IM. The organisation also announced a shutdown of National Highway-37 until concrete action was taken and said the victims’ mortal remains would not be accepted for final rites until its demands for justice were addressed.
Kuki Students’ Organisation branches in several cities called for an independent, time-bound investigation into the killings of civilians in Tamenglong and Noney, besides demanding adequate security for vulnerable villages and action against armed groups accused of targeting civilians.
The allegations against NSCN-IM and ZUF-K were made by Kuki organisations and political representatives, while responsibility for the Leisangphai killings remained subject to investigation.
