The Kuki CSO Working Committee in Ukhrul has warned of “full-scale self-defence” following a series of violent incidents in Kuki-inhabited villages in Manipur’s Ukhrul district. The organisation described the attacks as a “clear declaration of war” and held both the state government and the Centre responsible for any further escalation.In a detailed statement issued on Friday, the committee alleged that coordinated attacks were carried out by Tangkhul militants in several villages, including Mulam, Shongphel, Mongkot Chepu, Shangkai and Zalenbung, on April 24. According to the committee, the violence began in the early hours of the day when armed attackers launched what it called a multi-directional offensive from Sirarikhong and Sinakeithel areas. The committee claimed that an ambush was set up along the IVR route between Mulam and Shongphel. Two Kuki village volunteers — Paominlun Haolai, 22, and Letlal Sitlhou, 41 — were killed while allegedly trying to help residents during the attack.
At least nine people were injured in the violence. The injured were identified as L Vahneilhing Mate, Letjakai Kipgen, Ngamgousem Baite, Nemneichong Baite, Lhingkhoneng Haokip, Chinneikim Baite, Baby Chinnunkim Baite, Lalkhohao Vaiphei and Seilenmang Simte.The committee also alleged that 16 houses in Mulam village were completely destroyed in arson attacks. The affected households belonged to Paokholun Haokip, Letkhothang Haokip, Seitinmang Baite, Thangjangam Haokip, Thangthong Haokip, Jangmang Haokip, Nemkhohoi Chongloi, Janglalkai Khongsai, Thangmang Haokip, Thangminlun Touthang, Mangkhogin Haokip, Manglun Haokip, Lalcha Mate, Simon Haokip, Thangminlun Haokip and Thangminshon. The statement said the intervention of the 4th Mahar Regiment helped prevent further damage. Security personnel, along with teams from the Border Security Force, carried out rescue operations and evacuated injured residents, including a minor girl and an elderly person. The committee further claimed that a police spot inquiry found ammunition at the site linked to looted state armoury weapons allegedly connected to Arambai Tenggol.
It also alleged the involvement of Tangkhul militants associated with NSCN (EF) and accused them of attempting to displace Kuki communities from Ukhrul district.According to the committee, another attack took place in Mongkot Chepu between 10 am and 2 pm on April 24. Fresh gunfire was also reported around 4:50 pm, leading village volunteers to take what the committee described as defensive action.In another incident around 5:45 pm, heavy firing was reported in Shangkai and Zalenbung villages from the Thawai Tangkhul side. The committee alleged that cadres linked to NSCN-IM and NSCN (EF) were involved despite the presence of security forces in the area.Describing the incidents as a “coordinated campaign of aggression,” the committee claimed that the violence against Kuki civilians was being underreported. It also alleged that injured Tangkhul attackers were being airlifted for treatment. The committee rejected reports claiming that Sinakeithel had been attacked by Kuki groups. It called such reports “false narratives” aimed at diverting attention from the attacks on Kuki villages.
