Viral visuals showing NCC cadets giving a ceremonial welcome to Arambai Tenggol chief Korounganba Khuman in Imphal have triggered sharp criticism, especially from the Kuki-Zo community, amid his alleged links to violent incidents.
BY PC Bureau
January 13, 2026 — A fresh controversy has erupted in ethnically divided Manipur after viral videos and images showed Korounganba Khuman, chief of the Meitei militia group Arambai Tenggol, being accorded an official ceremonial welcome by fully uniformed National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets in Imphal on Tuesday.
The visuals, widely circulated on social media, triggered sharp criticism—particularly from the Kuki-Zo community—who described the event as a stark example of selective enforcement of law in Manipur’s Meitei-dominated valley compared to the Kuki hill areas. Khuman is a key figure under investigation by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for alleged terror-related activities.
Multiple posts on X shared videos and photographs showing NCC cadets forming a guard of honour or escort for Khuman. Arambai Tenggol, a self-styled “volunteer” group led by Khuman, emerged prominently during the ethnic violence that began on May 3, 2023, between the majority Meitei community in the valley and Kuki-Zo tribes in the hills. The group has been accused by various parties of involvement in attacks, looting of arms, and fuelling the conflict, which has claimed over 250 lives, displaced tens of thousands, and caused widespread arson and destruction.
One widely shared post by user @SeiminDoungel described the scene as “a visual representation of selective law enforcement,” alleging that Khuman, “already chargesheeted by @NIA_India for terror activities,” was being officially honoured by NCC cadets. The post included multiple videos and images showing the cadets in formation with Khuman at the centre.
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Another user, @JShakurB, questioned the involvement of the Defence Ministry-affiliated NCC, asking why uniformed cadets were providing a ceremonial escort to “a terrorist fugitive wanted by the NIA.” The post tagged senior officials, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and the NIA, and drew significant engagement.
Similar reactions were echoed by several Kuki-Zo accounts, including @KipsKuki and @Jenifer_Vaiphei, who termed the reception “against the interest of the nation” and described Khuman as “one of the main culprits” in the ongoing Meitei-Kuki conflict. They also cited the filing of FIRs by the NIA against him.
Dear @rajnathsingh @DefenceMinIndia , this is against the interest of the nation. Korounganba Khuman is one of the main culprits of the current Meitei-Kuki war and @NIA_India also has filed an FIR against him in this regard. How can he be treated like this? @adgpi https://t.co/bdosU71U7k pic.twitter.com/1YgstAVcsV
— David 𝐊𝐮𝐤𝐢 (@KipsKuki) January 13, 2026
The NIA has been probing Khuman in connection with serious incidents, including attacks on police personnel and the looting of arms and ammunition from state armouries. According to reports, on November 1, 2023, groups allegedly led by Khuman stormed multiple locations in Imphal, including the Palace Compound and the 1st Manipur Rifles Battalion, using sophisticated weapons, while some were reportedly dressed in police or camouflage uniforms. These cases were among eight related to the Manipur violence that the Supreme Court transferred from Imphal to a special NIA court in Guwahati in late 2024, citing security concerns and the risk of interference in judicial proceedings.
Why are uniformed NCC cadets, under @DefenceMinIndia providing ceremonial escort to a Terrorist fugitive, a man wanted by NIA for:
▪︎TERRORISM,
▪︎For being a member of a TERRORIST gang.
▪︎Attempted Murders, including the Ambush on DIG’s convoy.
▪︎Kidnappings, including… https://t.co/nuClx6UKxs pic.twitter.com/2KRCY7JjLi— J Shakur (@JShakurB) January 13, 2026
Khuman and Arambai Tenggol have denied being militants, portraying the group as defenders of Meitei interests against what they describe as illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and demographic changes linked to cross-border movement from Myanmar. Khuman has publicly called for an NRC-style exercise to identify outsiders while urging peaceful coexistence with long-settled Kuki communities.
The NCC’s involvement has drawn demands for clarification from @HQ_DG_NCC and @nccner (NCC North Eastern Region). As of Tuesday evening, neither the NCC nor the Defence Ministry had issued an official statement.
The incident has reignited debate over institutional neutrality in Manipur, which has been under President’s Rule since early 2025 following the resignation of former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh amid prolonged ethnic unrest. Critics say the ceremonial welcome underscores perceptions of uneven justice in the state, further complicating efforts at reconciliation. Authorities have yet to clarify whether the event was officially sanctioned or whether any action will follow the social media backlash.
