Residents of Sinakeithei report gunfire, militant patrols, and restricted movement, with daily life disrupted amid fears of escalating ethnic tensions.
BY PC BUREAU
March 18, 2026 — Tensions have sharply escalated in the hill district of Ukhrul after the Central Working Committee (CWC) of the Tangkhul Naga Foothills Organisation (TNFO) demanded the immediate dismantling of an alleged illegal bunker constructed by cadres of the Kuki Liberation Army (KLA) near Sinakeithei village.
In a statement issued on March 17, the TNFO claimed that the fortified structure has been erected at the foothill of Lungter Hill, barely 300–500 metres from residential areas of Sinakeithei—a predominantly Tangkhul Naga settlement. The proximity of the bunker to civilian homes has triggered widespread fear among residents, particularly against the backdrop of continuing ethnic tensions between Naga and Kuki communities in the region.
READ: Fringe Naga Afrmed Group Suspected in Killing of Kuki-Zo Men
Allegations of SoO Violations
The TNFO described the bunker as an “illegal military position” established in violation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement, a ceasefire arrangement between the Government of India, the Government of Manipur, and certain Kuki armed groups. According to the organisation, KLA cadres operating from camps at Lungtin Sub-Block (T. Gamnom Camp) and Mt. Sinai have repeatedly breached the ground rules of the pact.
“These actions undermine the very spirit of the SoO agreement and pose a direct threat to civilian life,” the statement said, calling for strict enforcement of the ceasefire provisions.
Incidentally KLA is not part of So) agreement and it is not clear on what basis the Naga bodies have flagged violation of SoO agreement.
The situation has deteriorated rapidly since March 15, with repeated incidents of alleged unprovoked gunfire. A community road constructed in 2019 as a goodwill initiative has now reportedly become a contested zone, with villagers accusing armed cadres of occupying and using it for movement and intimidation.
Daily life in Sinakeithei has been severely affected. Farmers have stopped venturing into fields, livestock rearing has been disrupted, and routine village activities have come to a standstill. “Children and families are living in constant fear,” a local representative said, describing the situation as both a humanitarian and security crisis.
The situation took a particularly alarming turn on March 15, when gunfire was reportedly directed toward the village during a Sunday church service. The incident forced the immediate cancellation of Sunday school classes, with children sent home amid panic.
Residents have also reported sightings of armed militants patrolling Lungter Hill with automatic weapons, further heightening anxiety in the area.
Village Authority Issues Ultimatum
The Sinakeithei Village Authority has backed the TNFO’s demands, issuing its own ultimatum and alleging that Kuki militants have “brazenly” constructed bunkers and temporary camps within the village’s jurisdiction.
Despite multiple representations to security forces—including the 4th Mahar Regiment—along with requests for drone surveillance and patrol interventions, villagers claim no concrete action has been taken to dismantle the structures. This perceived inaction, local leaders say, has emboldened the alleged perpetrators.
Pattern of Escalation
The TNFO pointed to a series of earlier incidents as evidence of a broader pattern of aggression. These include:
- Forest fires allegedly set on Lungter Hill in February 2026
- Reported cases of abduction and assault
- Intimidation of farmers and restriction of movement
Collectively, these incidents have contributed to a steadily worsening security environment in the foothill areas of Ukhrul district.
The TNFO has urged both the state government in Imphal and central authorities in New Delhi to act without delay. Its key demands include:
- Immediate dismantling of the alleged bunker
- Strict enforcement of SoO ground rules
- Restoration of normalcy and civilian safety
The organisation warned that failure to act could lead to further escalation, cautioning that responsibility for any untoward incident would lie with the authorities.
The latest developments highlight the fragile security situation in Manipur’s hill districts, where longstanding ethnic rivalries—fuelled by disputes over land, identity, and resources—continue to simmer. While security forces maintain a presence across sensitive zones, local communities increasingly allege gaps in enforcement and response at the ground level.
As tensions mount, residents of Sinakeithei and surrounding villages remain on edge, awaiting decisive intervention to prevent the situation from spiralling into wider conflict.
