Ukhrul, Manipur | EKHON: Tangkhul Naga Long has blasted Manipur govt for failing to curb Kuki militant attacks in Ukhrul, citing “complete breakdown of law and order”.
A statement from the Working Committee of TNL, highlighted a series of violent incidents in Sinakeithei village, claiming that armed Kuki militants operating under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement have repeatedly targeted the area. According to the committee, the tension began on February 23, 2026 when militants allegedly set fire to a reserved forest area known as Lungter and opened fire on villagers, injuring civilians and abducting a farmer.
Despite repeated appeals from local authorities, the TNL criticized the government’s response as “grossly inadequate,” noting that only a small contingent of security forces was deployed. The situation reportedly escalated again on March 19, with continued attacks culminating in an incident on March 21, when a mother and her son were caught in heavy firing while working on their farm. They were later rescued by army personnel after hours of distress.
Describing the situation as a “complete breakdown of law and order,” the TNL accused the state government of remaining silent while civilians live under constant fear. They demanded immediate action to restore peace and punish those responsible.
The Tangkhul apex body also questioned the Chief Minister’s meeting with the Kuki-Zo Council, pointing out that the Manipur govt had labelled the group illegitimate in Dec 2024. “What’s changed?” they asked.
Additionally, the TNL slammed the govt for excluding Tangkhul Naga reps from Ukhrul conflict talks, calling it “deliberate and undemocratic” – and saying it silences their community’s voice.
The statement also highlighted Kuki militants’ alleged taxation along NH-202, saying they’re demanding taxes from commuters despite govt assurances of safe passage. This shows the govt isn’t serious about enforcing order or keeping its word.
Further the TNL has dismissed Kuki CSOs’ claims linking NSCN-IM to the violence as “fabricated”, saying Tangkhul villagers acted in self-defense through local volunteers.
The Working Committee has placed four key demands before the government, including immediate security intervention in Sinakeithei, deployment of road protection forces along NH-202, legal action against those spreading misinformation online, and an official clarification regarding the Chief Minister’s engagement with the Kuki-Zo Council.
Tangkhul body warned that inaction could worsen the region’s instability, urging authorities to take “immediate and meaningful steps” to restore peace and accountability.
