The Joint Tribes Council (JTC), Manipur has expressed serious concern over alleged threats and intimidation targeting indigenous Naga residents of Ireng (Puilong) Naga village in Kangpokpi district, reportedly by members of the Kuki National Front (KNF).
In a statement, the JTC asserted that no designated Suspension of Operations (SoO) camps or illegal camps would be allowed in the Naga foothill areas. It also said that no unauthorized road construction—referred to as “animal roads”—or other structures would be permitted on Naga ancestral land, and that illegal poppy cultivation would not be tolerated in Naga-inhabited regions.
The council alleged that a KNF leader identified as Tiger Kipgen, also known as Thangboi or Hao-genthang Kipgen, issued life-threatening warnings on January 12 at around 11 am. According to the JTC, he allegedly warned that the Naga population would be fired upon and entire villages burned down. The KNF is a signatory to the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with the Government.
The situation reportedly escalated later that day around 2 pm, when approximately 30 armed KNF cadres were allegedly seen moving toward Ireng village. The JTC claimed the movement was intended to intimidate local civilians.
An FIR was lodged on January 14 against Tiger Kipgen and the armed cadres of the KNF, the council said. It added that the Working Committee of the Liangmai Naga Council, Manipur also submitted petitions to several authorities, including the Union Home Minister, the Governor of Manipur, the Director General of Police, the National Investigation Agency (NIA), the Inspector General Assam Rifles (South), the state Security Advisor, and district officials of Kangpokpi.
Despite the reported threats and the filing of the FIR, the JTC alleged that no concrete action has yet been taken against the accused individuals.
The council has urged both the Government of India and the Manipur government to take immediate and time-bound action against the KNF to ensure the safety and security of civilians in the area.
While reaffirming its commitment to peace, the rule of law, and the protection of indigenous ancestral land and lives, the JTC cautioned that continued inaction by the authorities could lead to “unavoidable developments,” for which it said the council should not be held responsible.
