The Kuki CSO demanded immediate action, including disarming armed groups, strengthening civilian protection, and launching a time-bound investigation into the incident.
Ukhrul, April 4, 2026 — The Kuki Civil Society Organisations (CSO) Working Committee in Ukhrul has called for immediate security intervention after unidentified gunmen allegedly opened fire on paddy farmers in G. Shongmun village on Saturday morning.
The committee said the incident occurred around 9:30 am, when assailants fired nearly 20 rounds of automatic gunfire at unarmed civilians engaged in farming activities. It described the attack as a “brazen and cowardly act” and a direct assault on the right to life and livelihood.
The group also raised serious concerns over the presence of security forces in the vicinity at the time of the incident, questioning their response and the apparent failure to prevent the attack.
Holy Week for Christians but for Tangkhul militants it’s a chance to attack Kuki Christians who are fasting and praying for peace. While Kukis pray, Tangkhul militants build bunkers, fire automatic guns, and target civilians. Enough of the hypocrisy.@HMOIndia @PMOIndia… https://t.co/lvn9LFokNn pic.twitter.com/rzc5x8BoIJ
— Min งึลมินธัง (@ngulmint) April 4, 2026
Pattern of violence alleged
The committee said the incident reflects a broader pattern of targeting civilians, particularly farmers and commuters along the Tingpibung–Leplen route. It warned that repeated attacks have created an atmosphere of fear and instability, accusing armed groups of operating with impunity.
Calling the situation “sustained intimidation and terror,” the organisation urged authorities to act decisively to restore confidence among local communities.
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Key demands
The Kuki CSO Working Committee outlined several immediate demands:
- A time-bound operation to disarm armed groups allegedly operating from Sinakeithei and nearby areas
- Strengthening of civilian protection measures in vulnerable zones
- A thorough investigation to identify perpetrators and examine possible security lapses
It stressed that “silence, delay, or inaction” would be unacceptable and called for accountability at all levels.
Criticism of village stance on security forces
In a separate statement, the committee criticised a recent declaration by a Tangkhul Naga-dominated village authority opposing the entry of security forces for operations.
The group termed the move “untenable,” alleging that armed elements operating under the guise of local volunteers have established fortified positions in the area. It claimed these positions have been used for firing incidents affecting nearby villages, though these allegations remain contested.
Security operations and ongoing tensions
The committee welcomed recent operations by the Indian Army, Central Armed Police Forces, and Manipur Police, which it said led to the dismantling of illegal bunkers and prevented infiltration attempts in recent days. It urged security forces to continue such operations in an “impartial and sustained” manner.
The developments come amid continuing ethnic tensions in Manipur, particularly in hill districts like Ukhrul, where clashes, firing incidents, and competing claims over land and security have persisted since 2023.
