Kuki groups warned of an indefinite total shutdown if the government fails to act, while the Kaimai Village Authority appealed for restraint and an impartial probe.
BY PC Bureau
September 13, 2026: The killing of four Kuki-Zo people in two separate attacks in Tamenglong and Noney districts on Sunday triggered widespread outrage across Kuki organisations, which demanded immediate action against the perpetrators and warned of an indefinite shutdown if the government fails to respond.
The attacks took place on Sahnit Ni, observed by the Kuki community as its Black Day in memory of victims of the 1993 Kuki-Naga violence.
The first attack was reported around 4 a.m. at Tollen village in Tamenglong, where Lhingzangai Singsit and her husband, Seineh Singsit, were killed, while their six-year-old son was injured, according to community organisations. A second attack was later reported at Longpi Kuki village in Noney, where two more Kuki civilians were killed.
READ: Kuki-Zo Black Day Turns Bloody as Four Killed in Manipur
Kuki Inpi JTN demands NIA probe
Kuki Inpi Jiribam, Tamenglong & Noney (JTN) condemned the attacks and demanded that the Tollen case be transferred to the National Investigation Agency.
The organisation also demanded permanent deployment of central security forces in Tollen and other vulnerable Kuki settlements, saying the attack took place only a few hundred metres from a central security deployment.
JTN questioned how armed attackers could strike a civilian family so close to security forces and demanded accountability without questioning the capabilities of the forces deployed in the area.
It has given the government 24 hours to take concrete action and announced a 24-hour economic blockade with immediate effect.
The organisation warned that failure to meet its demands would be followed by an indefinite total shutdown.
JTN also said the Kuki-Zo community would not accept the mortal remains of the Tollen victims for funeral rites until justice was delivered.
CoTU links attacks to ceasefire concerns
The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), Sadar Hills, condemned the reported attacks on civilians and alleged that groups operating under ceasefire arrangements with the Government of India could be involved.
CoTU said any involvement of cadres covered by ceasefire arrangements would amount to a violation of the ground rules and could have serious consequences for the peace process.
It demanded the immediate deployment of central forces in Tollen, Longpi and other vulnerable villages, besides a time-bound investigation into the killings.
CoTU also renewed its demand for a separate administration for the Kuki-Zo people, describing it as necessary for the community’s security.
Black Day marked by fresh killings
The Kuki Youth Organisation Women’s Council said the killings on Sahnit Ni had deepened the community’s grief on a day already associated with memories of mass violence.
It called for an impartial investigation and prosecution based on evidence, while demanding stronger preventive security for women and children.
The L. Tollen Village Authority also condemned the attack and demanded the arrest of those responsible and stronger central-force deployment in the area.
Naga village body appeals for restraint
The Kaimai Village Authority, from the neighbouring Naga settlement, condemned the Tollen attack and described it as an attempt to create division between communities.
It called for an impartial investigation and urged people to maintain restraint and avoid rumours.
The reactions came amid already heightened Kuki-Naga tensions in Manipur’s hill districts, where competing allegations against armed groups have repeatedly raised concerns over the fragile security situation.
The latest killings on Sahnit Ni have now added a fresh layer of anger, with Kuki organisations warning that the government’s response in the next 24 hours could determine whether the protests remain limited or escalate into an indefinite shutdown.
