In a press statement, Kuki Inpi Manipur claimed that over 50 alleged Arambai Tenggol members are stationed in Sikibung and operating alongside Tangkhul militant elements across multiple locations, including Sareikhong and T.M. Kasom.
BY PC Bureau
April 25, 2026 — The Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), the apex body representing Kuki tribes, has raised serious concerns over what it described as a “coordinated militant build-up” involving Meitei and Tangkhul groups in Ukhrul district, warning of potential threats to Kuki-Zo civilian populations.
In a press statement issued on Saturday, KIM cited intelligence inputs claiming that more than 50 alleged members of the Meitei group Arambai Tenggol are stationed at Sikibung in Ukhrul, purportedly operating in coordination with Tangkhul militant elements. The organisation named several locations — Sareikhong, T.M. Kasom, Leingangching, Sikibung and Thoyee — as suspected hubs of joint militant activity.
KIM further alleged the continued presence of an unauthorised Tangkhul militant camp linked to the NSCN, stating that the absence of visible enforcement action points to lapses in maintaining law and order in the region.
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Allegations Against Police
In a serious allegation, the organisation claimed that a senior Manipur Police officer may have compromised operational integrity by sharing sensitive information related to vulnerable Kuki villages, allegedly exposing them to targeted attacks. KIM termed this a grave breach of duty that undermines trust in the security establishment.
The group has urged the Government of India to take swift and decisive steps, including dismantling militant camps, removing armed concentrations, ordering an independent probe into the alleged intelligence leak, and strengthening security for vulnerable civilians.
“The reported convergence of armed elements across multiple locations, along with inadequate containment measures, reflects a deteriorating security situation in Ukhrul district that requires urgent attention,” the statement said.
Ukhrul, predominantly inhabited by Tangkhul Nagas, has occasionally witnessed friction involving nearby Kuki villages. KIM’s latest claims come amid ongoing efforts to restore stability, rebuild trust between communities, and rehabilitate displaced persons.
Zalengbung Village Attacked
Meanwhile, a Kuki village in Ukhrul district reportedly came under a prolonged assault lasting over 13 hours, prompting the Zalengbung Village Authority to issue a statement accusing security forces of inaction and the state government of failing to protect civilians.
According to a press release issued by the Zalengbung Village Authority (Litan Block, Ukhrul district), the village faced a “sustained assault” by an outfit allegedly linked to NSCN-EF, operating from a base in Thawai. The attack is said to have begun at 5:45 pm on April 24, 2026, and continued until around 7:00 am on April 25.
“The security forces deployed in the region appear to lack adequate authority from the state government to intervene effectively,” the statement said. “As the protection of our village and our people is our fundamental responsibility, we were compelled to retaliate in self-defence.”
Escalation of Violence
The village authority claimed the incident was part of a broader pattern of attacks on Kuki villages in the area. It alleged that Tangkhul militant groups had earlier carried out assaults on Mulam and Shongphel villages before extending aggression towards Zalengbung, Shangkai, and Mongkot Chepu.
Expressing dissatisfaction with the official response, the statement said the government had “failed in its duty to ensure the safety and security of the Kuki population in Ukhrul.”
Demand for Administrative Changes
In a significant demand, the Zalengbung Village Authority extended support to calls by Kuki civil society organisations (WCKCSOs) for the merger of Kuki-inhabited areas of Ukhrul district with neighbouring Kangpokpi district.
“We remain resolute in our commitment to defend our villages and our people with all that we have,” the statement added.
The incident comes amid heightened tensions in Manipur, shortly after the Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) flagged concerns over alleged coordinated militant movements involving Meitei and Tangkhul groups in parts of Ukhrul district, including Sikibung, Sareikhong and Thoyee.
Manipur continues to experience sporadic violence and deep ethnic divisions more than three years after conflict between Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities erupted in May 2023. Hill districts, especially those with mixed populations such as Ukhrul, remain particularly sensitive.
There has been no immediate confirmation or response from Manipur Police, security agencies, or the state government regarding the claims made by the Zalengbung Village Authority.
The recurring incidents and competing allegations underscore the fragile security situation in the state and the ongoing challenge of restoring lasting peace and normalcy.
