KIM questioned why Assam Rifles personnel reportedly vacated the village just a day before the arson, calling for an immediate and transparent inquiry into the circumstances that enabled the attack.
BY PC Bureau
July 1, 2026: The Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), the apex body representing the Kuki tribes, has condemned the arson attack that destroyed Phaimol village in Manipur’s Kamjong district, alleging that the attack was carried out by armed cadres of the Tangkhul-led NSCN-IM along with the Shanmi Nationalities Army (SNA), an armed group operating from Myanmar.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, KIM described the incident as part of what it called a “systematic campaign of violence and destruction” targeting Kuki villages in the Tangkhul-dominated hill districts of the state.
“The Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) unequivocally condemns the latest act of terror in which Phaimol, a Kuki village in Kamjong District, was reduced to ashes by armed cadres of the Tangkhul-led NSCN-IM and the Shanmi Nationalities Army (SNA), an armed group operating from Myanmar. This latest attack is yet another addition to the systematic campaign of violence and destruction targeting Kuki villages in the Tangkhul-dominated hill districts of Manipur,” the organisation said.
Questions Over Security Withdrawal
KIM said the attack was particularly disturbing because Phaimol village had reportedly been under the protection of the Assam Rifles, whose personnel vacated the post just one day before the arson.
“What makes this incident particularly alarming is that the village had been under the protection of the Assam Rifles, whose personnel vacated the post only a day before the arson took place. The timing raises serious concerns regarding the security arrangements in vulnerable villages and necessitates an immediate and transparent inquiry into the circumstances that enabled the attack,” the statement said.
The organisation urged authorities to investigate whether adequate security arrangements had been maintained before the attack.
KIM Cites Series of Attacks on Kuki Villages
According to KIM, the destruction of Phaimol is the latest in a series of attacks on Kuki villages reported during 2026. The organisation listed the following incidents:
- K. Songlung (Kangpokpi) – January 26, 2026
- Litan-Sareikhong (Ukhrul) – February 8–9, 2026
- Songphel (Ukhrul) – April 25, 2026
- Mullam (Ukhrul) – April 25, 2026
- Lanchah (Kamjong) – May 6, 2026
- Molnoi (Myanmar border) – May 12, 2026
- Kharam Yaiphei (Kangpokpi) – May 30, 2026
- Loibol Khullen (Kangpokpi) – June 5, 2026
- Kultuh Village (Kamjong) – June 11, 2026
- Phaimol (Kamjong) – Latest incident
Describing these incidents as part of a continuing pattern, KIM said:
“These repeated attacks reveal a disturbing and sustained pattern of violence against Kuki habitations. The continued destruction of villages cannot be dismissed as sporadic law-and-order incidents but reflects an alarming security failure demanding urgent intervention.”
Raises Questions Over NSCN-IM and Cross-Border Militancy
The organisation also questioned the alleged involvement of NSCN-IM cadres, noting that the outfit is under a ceasefire agreement with the Government of India.
“Kuki Inpi Manipur further questions how NSCN-IM cadres, despite being under a ceasefire agreement with the Government of India, are repeatedly involved in attacks on civilian villages without meaningful action being taken. Such incidents undermine public confidence in the peace process and embolden those who resort to violence.”
KIM further expressed concern over the alleged role of the Shanmi Nationalities Army (SNA), saying its repeated involvement points to a broader cross-border security challenge.
“The repeated involvement of the SNA also highlights a grave national security concern. Cross-border terrorism cannot be treated merely as a local law-and-order issue. The Government of India must adopt stronger border management measures and engage the Government of Myanmar to ensure that Indian territory is not repeatedly targeted by armed groups operating from across the border.”
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Calls for Immediate Government Action
Calling for urgent intervention, KIM appealed to the Union Government, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Government of Manipur, and security agencies to take decisive steps to prevent further attacks on civilian villages.
“Kuki Inpi Manipur urges the Union Government, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Government of Manipur, and all security agencies to act decisively before more innocent lives and villages are lost.”
The organisation further stated:
“The Kuki Inpi Manipur therefore calls upon the Government of India and the Government of Manipur to initiate proper, immediate, and decisive action to address these security failures and ensure the protection of its citizens.”
Emphasising constitutional guarantees of security, the statement concluded:
“Every citizen deserves equal protection under the Constitution, and those responsible for terrorising civilian populations must be held fully accountable.”
