Chandel/Ukhrul, July 14: The Chandel Naga People’s Organisation (CNPO) has expressed strong condemnation over what it described as the unlawful hijacking of a civilian vehicle by Kuki volunteers in Kanan Kuki Village, under Chakpikarong sub-division of Chandel district.
In a press statement issued Monday, CNPO said the incident took place on February 5, 2025, at around 2:48 PM, when a JCB 3DX (vehicle no. MN04C0677) belonging to Mr. MK Rangkanmi Chothe, a resident of Chadongpokpi village, was intercepted and forcefully taken by Kuki volunteers.
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The vehicle, CNPO noted, had initially been taken and held by the Assam Rifles at Haibijang camp during the height of the Kuki-Meitei conflict in May 2023. It was later released to the owner following proper verification and submission of valid documentation, including the vehicle’s chassis and engine numbers.
However, despite the clearance, CNPO said the vehicle was hijacked once again while en route near Kanan Kuki Village. The Naga organisation claimed that the matter was promptly reported to the 28 Sector Assam Rifles, but no action or response has been taken so far to recover the vehicle or address the illegal seizure.
Calling the incident “a serious breach of law and order” and a “violation of civilian rights,” CNPO raised concern over what it called the growing impunity of such acts amid an already volatile situation in the region.
“The incident has caused not only economic hardship to the rightful owner but has also raised serious concerns about public safety and the accountability of the security apparatus in the area,” the statement read.
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CNPO demanded the following actions from the relevant authorities:
- Immediate intervention by district administration and law enforcement agencies.
- Action by Assam Rifles and security forces to recover the vehicle and bring the perpetrators to justice.
- Restoration of justice and protection of civilian property in conflict-affected areas.
The organisation warned that continued inaction in such matters would embolden lawlessness and further erode public trust. It appealed for urgent attention from all responsible authorities to prevent such incidents from recurring.