Citing multiple firing incidents since early June, the committee questioned the effectiveness and neutrality of security forces, alleging a failure to prevent repeated attacks on civilian areas.
BY PC Bureau
June 9, 2026 — The Kuki CSO Working Committee, Ukhrul, has issued a strongly worded statement highlighting what it describes as persistent armed aggression against the Kuki-Zo village of Mongkot Chepu by cadres of the NSCN (EC) operating from nearby areas such as Sikibung.
In a press release dated June 8, 2026 (Ref: WC/PR59/06/26), the committee detailed a chronology of firing incidents from early June, alleging a pattern of unprovoked attacks on vulnerable civilian settlements despite the presence of security forces.
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Chronology of Incidents (as per the release)
June 3, 7:30 PM:
• One single-barrel and one automatic round were allegedly fired from NSCN (EC) positions toward Mongkot Chepu. No retaliation was reported from village volunteers.
June 7, 10:26 AM:
• Simultaneous firing was reported from the Waterfall area and Lilen Ridge in Sikibung toward Mongkot Chepu.
June 7, 3:45 PM – 8:55 PM:
• Sustained multi-directional firing allegedly originated from Sikibung and Aaron’s house toward Mongkot Chepu and resettled Kuki areas in Litan Sareikhong.
June 8:
• 10:01 AM – 12:00 PM: Repeated firing was reported from Lilen Ridge, Sikibung.
• 5:00 PM: Two fresh rounds were allegedly fired from Lilen Ridge toward the village.
• 8:20 PM: Reinforcement movement by NSCN (EC) cadres was reportedly observed, followed by automatic firing from multiple locations despite a heavy security forces presence. Village volunteers reportedly repelled the attack.
• 9:58 PM – 10:30 PM: Fourteen automatic rounds were allegedly fired from Lilen Ridge, with no visible intervention by security forces.
• 10:45 PM – 12:10 AM: An exchange of fire reportedly occurred as security forces attempted to de-escalate the situation.
The committee stated that these incidents represent a continuation of aggression documented since June 1, targeting Kuki-Zo villages in the Litan-Sareikhong belt. It emphasized that villagers had largely exercised restraint and resorted to self-defence only when necessary.
Key Allegations and Questions Raised
The statement expressed serious concerns over what it described as the inaction or selective response of security forces despite substantial deployment in the area. It posed several questions:
• What is preventing security forces from decisively halting the repeated attacks?
• Who will bear responsibility if civilian lives are lost due to continued inaction?
• Why have no decisive operations been undertaken in Sikibung, the alleged source of the attacks?
• Why do security forces appear more responsive to retaliatory fire than to the initial attacks?
• Why are Kuki-Zo villages subjected to intensive operations for acts of self-defence while the original aggressors remain unaddressed?
The committee argued that these developments raise concerns about the neutrality, consistency, and operational credibility of security forces, potentially undermining public confidence in their mandate.
The statement also referred to reported attempts to obstruct the deployment of Assam Rifles personnel at New Heaven, which, according to the committee, could leave nearby Chepu Yaolen villages vulnerable.
“The people deserve accountability before the region is pushed towards yet another preventable cycle of violence,” the statement said.
The release was issued by the Department of Information and Media, WCKCSOs-Ukhrul.
Mongkot Chepu and surrounding areas in Ukhrul district have witnessed recurring tensions and clashes between Kuki-Zo and Tangkhul Naga groups amid Manipur’s broader ethnic conflict. Previous incidents between March and May 2026 involved similar allegations of firing, injuries, and competing claims from the communities involved.
At the time of reporting, there was no immediate official response from security forces or the Manipur government regarding the allegations contained in the latest statement.
The situation remains tense, with renewed calls for an impartial investigation, greater accountability, and stronger protection for civilians living in the affected areas.
