Kuki Inpi JTN has condemned the alleged attack on Leikot Kuki Village, describing it as a serious threat to civilian safety and regional peace. The organisation has urged both the Central and Manipur governments to ensure justice and prevent further violence.
BY PC Bureau
July 2, 2026 โ Violence in Manipur’s hill districts escalated once again after suspected NSCN-IM militants allegedly attacked Leikot Kuki Village in Noney District during the early hours of Thursday, leaving large parts of the village destroyed by fire.
According to local Kuki organisations, the attack occurred at around 5:00 a.m. and follows a similar reported arson incident in Phimol Village, Majong District, on July 1, where homes were also allegedly set ablaze. No arrests have been reported in connection with either incident.
The latest attack has intensified concerns over the security situation in the hill districts, particularly after the recent deployment of two battalions of the Central Reserve Police Force’s CoBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action) unit, a specialised counter-insurgency force. Despite the enhanced security presence, attacks have reportedly continued, with no suspects apprehended so far.
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Noney, July 1, 2026: Leikot, a Kuki-Zo village in Manipur’s Noney district, was allegedly attacked and set on fire in the earlyโฆ pic.twitter.com/Zhp9fG9WUz
โ ๐๐๐๐๐๐-๐๐-๐๐๐๐๐ (@chinkukimizogin) July 2, 2026
Leikot Village Attack
According to a press release issued on Thursday by the Office of the Kuki Inpi Jiribam, Tamenglong & Noney (JTN), the apex body representing Kuki tribes in the region, village volunteers attempted to defend Leikot Kuki Village using licensed single-barrel firearms.
The organisation alleged that the attackers were armed with automatic weapons and sophisticated arms, including mortar shells, which overwhelmed the village defenders. Unable to withstand the assault, the volunteers reportedly withdrew, after which the assailants allegedly set the village on fire, causing extensive damage to homes and property.
In its statement, Kuki Inpi JTN stated:
“Kuki Inpi Jiribam, Tamenglong and Noney (JTN) strongly condemns in the strongest possible terms the unprovoked attack allegedly carried out by NSCN-IM militants on Leikot Kuki Village in Noney District, Manipur, at around 5:00 a.m. on 2 July 2026.”
The organisation described the incident as “a grave act of aggression against innocent civilians and a serious threat to peace and security in the region.”
It further questioned what it described as inadequate security arrangements in vulnerable areas of Noney District, arguing that repeated attacks have exposed serious lapses in the protection of civilians. The statement stressed that ensuring the safety and security of residents remains the government’s primary responsibility.
Continuing Pattern of Violence
The reported attack on Leikot Village comes just a day after Phimol Village in Majong District wasย destroyed in another arson incident. No arrests have been made in either case.
Kuki organisations have repeatedly alleged that suspected Naga militants have targeted Kuki villages in recent months through a series of arson attacks, resulting in the destruction of homes, displacement of residents, and significant loss of property and livelihoods.
The continuation of such incidents despite the deployment of specialised CoBRA units has raised fresh concerns regarding intelligence gathering, rapid response capabilities, and the effectiveness of current security measures in the region.
Kuki Inpi JTN’s Demands
Following the latest incident, Kuki Inpi JTN appealed to the Central Government, the Government of Manipur, and security agencies to:
- Immediately launch a thorough and impartial investigation into the attack.
- Identify and arrest those responsible and ensure they are brought to justice.
- Strengthen security arrangements in vulnerable villages to prevent further attacks.
The organisation warned that failure to address the concerns of affected communities and hold those responsible accountable could further aggravate the already fragile situation in the hill districts.
It also reiterated its commitment to protecting the rights, security, and dignity of the Kuki people and expressed solidarity with the residents of Leikot Kuki Village.
The latest reported incident highlights the continuing volatility in Manipur’s hill districts amid the ethnic tensions that have persisted since 2023. The alleged targeting of civilian villages, coupled with the absence of arrests despite increased deployment of specialised security forces, has renewed calls for stronger intervention, improved intelligence operations, and greater accountability.
As of Thursday evening, there has been no official statement from security agencies or the Government regarding the allegations contained in the Kuki Inpi JTN press release. Independent verification of all claims remains pending.
Residents of Leikot Kuki Village and other affected communities continue to face uncertainty as demands grow for enhanced protection, swift investigations, and decisive action against those responsible for the violence.
