The directive comes amid repeated exchanges of fire between the Kuki-Zo and Tangkhul Naga communities, with authorities warning of a possible breach of peace in the area.
BY PC Bureau
March 24, 2026: Amid an explosive situation and repeated exchanges of fire between the Kuki-Zo and Tangkhul Naga communities, the District Magistrate of Kamjong has ordered all licensed arms holders in the Kamjong Sub-Division to immediately surrender their firearms and ammunition.
The order comes in view of what the administration described as a volatile law and order situation and the risk of a breach of peace. The official order (No. 1/1(L&O)/DC-KMJ-2017), issued on March 24, 2026, and signed by L.N. Kashung, IAS, District Magistrate of Kamjong, invokes powers under the Arms Act, 1959.
Under the directive, all licensed arms and ammunition must be deposited without delay at Chassad Police Station. The Superintendent of Police, Kamjong, has been tasked with ensuring the safe custody of the surrendered weapons and maintaining proper records. The order also states that appeals may be submitted in writing to the office of the District Magistrate during working hours. It adds that the deposited arms will be returned once the situation improves and the order is revoked.
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The order has triggered concern within the Kuki-Zo community. Community representatives have expressed deep distrust, alleging collusion between sections of the Manipur Police in Ukhrul district and the NSCN-IM.
They have drawn parallels with a similar arms collection drive carried out in the 1990s under then Chief Minister Rishang Keishing. According to community accounts, Kuki residents in Kamjong, Ukhrul, and nearby areas surrendered their licensed weapons in good faith at the time. However, they allege that after the surrender, the NSCN-IM began evicting Kuki families from their ancestral lands, many of which later came under Tangkhul community control.
Community voices now warn that the present order risks repeating the same pattern. They say they would accept such a measure only if the District Magistrate first ensures the collection of weapons allegedly held by Tangkhul volunteers and their relatives, whom they accuse of being shielded by the Ukhrul police and central forces. They also pointed to today’s incident at Litan Police Station as evidence of what they describe as such protection.
Security advisory issued by Kuki-Zo groups
Meanwhile, Kuki-Zo organisations have issued urgent alerts to their people. Villages and vulnerable areas, including Sanakeithel (Sinakeithel), Vella Cheng Khoho, C. Kholen, the Chassad side, Litan, and others, have been advised to remain on high alert throughout the day and in the coming week.
Instructions have also reportedly been sent to Kuki Inpi Pachong.
According to information received from what community sources described as a reliable source, intelligence inputs suggest that armed groups are allegedly planning attacks on Kuki-Zo villagers in around 15 locations across Kamjong and Ukhrul.
At the same time, residents have been advised not to panic, as the Army has already been informed of the situation.
The latest development comes amid fresh reports of firing incidents in the Ukhrul-Kamjong foothills over the past two days, further heightening tensions between communities in the region.
The situation remains fluid, with both administrative measures and community-level alerts reflecting deep mistrust and continuing security concerns in Manipur’s hill districts.
