Senapati, Manipur | EKHON: Violence along the Indo–Myanmar border in Manipur has triggered sharp condemnation from Naga civil society organisations, with the United Naga Council (UNC) and the All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM) accusing Myanmar-based armed groups and Kuki militant factions of carrying out coordinated attacks on several Naga villages in Kamjong and Ukhrul districts on May 7, 2026.
In separate press statements issued on May 8, both organisations alleged that heavily armed militants linked to the Kuki National Army-Burma (KNA-B), People’s Defence Force (PDF), and Kuki groups operating under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement launched attacks on villages including Namlee, Wanglee, Ashang Khullen (KAKA), Z Choro, TM Kasom, Ringui, Sharkaphung, S. Laho, and Sinakeithei.
According to the UNC, the attacks began around 4:00 AM when armed groups allegedly crossed the Indo–Myanmar international border and opened fire on civilian settlements. The organisation claimed that houses were burned, villagers displaced, and civilians, including women, children, and elderly residents, forced to flee into nearby forests without adequate food, shelter, or medical support.
The UNC further alleged that another attack occurred later the same day at Sinakeithei village from the Lungter Hill Range, where armed assailants reportedly fired indiscriminately, injuring several civilians.
ANSAM echoed the allegations, describing the incidents as “coordinated armed aggression” involving foreign-based militant elements and refugee-linked armed actors. The student body also alleged the use of combat drones during the attacks, claiming that civilian homes and property were deliberately targeted.
Both organisations sharply criticised the response of security forces deployed along the Indo–Myanmar border. The UNC accused central security forces of failing to prevent armed infiltration despite prior inspections in the area on May 6, while ANSAM questioned the neutrality and effectiveness of forces, particularly sections of the Assam Rifles, in protecting vulnerable villages.
The organisations also raised concerns over the humanitarian situation in the affected areas. The UNC stated that hundreds of displaced villagers remain in distress, while also noting that several Kuki refugees from Myanmar had earlier been sheltered in Naga villages. However, it alleged that some refugee-linked youths later became involved in militant activities and acts of arson during the attacks.
The Government of India and the Government of Manipur are called to urgently address escalating security concerns. Key demands include the deployment of additional state security forces and specialised commandos to vulnerable border villages, immediate relief and rehabilitation for displaced civilians, and search and rescue operations for reportedly missing or abducted villagers. There are also appeals for a high-level inquiry into reported cross-border infiltration and alleged security lapses, alongside stronger protection measures for Naga villages along the Indo–Myanmar frontier.
