The KNF called the allegations “baseless” and accused unnamed interests of circulating unverified claims to malign its leadership and fuel tensions between communities.
BY PC Bureau
August 17, 2026: The Kuki National Front (KNF) has strongly denied allegations that its cadres or Home Secretary Jangboi Kipgen were involved in the August 14 attack at Langka Naga village in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district, in which two Liangmai Naga villagers were killed and two others injured.
In a statement issued on Monday, the KNF described the allegations as “baseless, unfounded and devoid of truth” and accused unnamed interests of attempting to use the incident to discredit the organisation and its leadership.
The statement, titled “REBUTTAL” and issued from the KNF’s Camp Ebenezer headquarters at Natheljang in Sadar Hills, said neither Kipgen nor any KNF cadre had any connection with the attack.
“Any attempt to associate them with the attack is completely baseless, unfounded and devoid of truth,” the organisation said.
The August 14 attack took place in the morning when a group of Liangmai Naga villagers were travelling to or working in paddy fields at Langka, also referred to as Taniuluang or Niulong, along the Imphal-Tamenglong Road.
According to reports, armed assailants opened fire on the villagers at around 7.30-8 am. Two men, identified as Wiriliangbou Chawang, aged around 34-35, and Kawidinang Abonmai, aged around 54-55, were killed in the firing.
Two other villagers, Maliangjinang Abonmai and Namthiulungbou Prinmai, suffered serious injuries and were airlifted to the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Imphal for treatment.
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The attack triggered sharp reactions from Naga organisations, which alleged that members of Kuki armed groups were responsible. The Working Committee of Tangkhul Naga Long and the Liangmai Naga Council, Manipur, reportedly named the Kuki National Front and the Kuki Revolutionary Army in connection with the incident.
Some allegations specifically referred to Jangboi Kipgen and alleged command structures operating in the area.
The KNF, however, rejected the accusations in their entirety and said its name and that of its Home Secretary were being deliberately dragged into an incident with which they had no connection.
The organisation accused what it described as “vested interests” of attempting to create a false narrative and damage its reputation.
“The KNF will not accept the irresponsible misuse of its name for political or ulterior purposes through the circulation of unsubstantiated allegations, misinformation and propaganda,” the statement said.
The group also appealed against using the deaths of civilians as a means of escalating tensions between communities.
“The death of innocent people must never be used to settle scores, manufacture narratives, malign individuals or organisations, or create hostility between communities,” it said.
The KNF urged those making or circulating allegations to exercise restraint and verify information before attributing responsibility for the attack.
It warned that unverified accusations could deepen mistrust between communities and further undermine peace and stability in the region.
Reiterating its position, the organisation said Kipgen had no involvement in the attack and maintained that no KNF cadre participated in the incident.
The statement was signed by LH Stephen Kuki, the KNF’s Information and Publicity Secretary, who called on all parties to act responsibly and prioritise communal harmony.
The incident has added another layer of tension to the already fragile security situation in Manipur’s hill districts. The state has witnessed prolonged ethnic conflict since violence erupted between Meitei and Kuki communities in May 2023, while relations between Kuki and Naga groups have also remained sensitive in several areas.
The KNF is among the Kuki-Zomi armed groups operating under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) framework with the Centre and the Manipur government. Groups under the agreement are required to remain in designated camps and adhere to agreed ground rules.
The KNF has previously denied allegations of involvement in incidents of violence in Kangpokpi and neighbouring areas, maintaining that its cadres remain within designated camps and comply with the SoO arrangements.
The Langka attack also came shortly after Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh issued a 15-day deadline for the surrender of illegal weapons, adding to the political and security sensitivity surrounding the incident.
Security forces have been deployed in the affected area and investigations into the attack are underway.
