UKHRUL: Khanuithot-Khon (Voice of the Naga Youth) has issued a detailed response to the April 16 statement by the Kuki Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) Working Committee, rejecting its allegations and raising concerns over what it described as selective narratives, lack of evidence, and unequal enforcement by security forces in the region.
While stating that it does not wish to engage in a prolonged exchange of press statements, the organisation said it found it necessary to respond in order to clarify its position and present what it termed a broader account of recent incidents. It defended the reporting of the April 14 convoy-related incident along NH-202 by the Central Working Committee of the Tangkhul Naga Foothills’ Organisation (CWC-TNFO) and Tangkhul Aze Katamnao Long (TAKL), asserting that these are recognised representative bodies and not informal or anonymous sources.
It argued that dismissing their account as “unverified” while expecting counterclaims to be accepted without scrutiny reflects a double standard. The group further pointed out that the prevailing situation on NH-202, where civilian vehicles often require armed escorts, indicates that normalcy has not been restored.
Responding to allegations that Tangkhul militants were responsible for firing at Zalenbung village on April 13, Khanuithot-Khon questioned the absence of supporting documentation such as FIRs, ballistic reports, or independent verification. It also raised concerns about what it described as inconsistent responses by security forces, noting that while intervention was reportedly effective in this instance, similar action was not seen during earlier incidents, including alleged arson, coordinated firing, and prolonged attacks reported in February, March, and early April.
In its statement, the organisation outlined a timeline of incidents between February and April 2026, which it attributed to Kuki militant groups operating under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement. These included arson in villages such as Sikibung and Sharkaphung on February 8, the reported abduction of a villager in Sinakeithei on February 23, an armed confrontation in Sirarakhong on March 19, coordinated firing targeting multiple villages on March 24, and sustained gunfire affecting Thoyee and surrounding areas on April 5. It further claimed that bunker positions in areas such as Lungter and nearby ridges remain active despite repeated complaints.
A key concern raised in the response was the alleged unequal conduct of security forces. Khanuithot-Khon claimed that defensive bunkers in Naga areas have been dismantled while, in contrast, positions attributed to Kuki militants remain intact. Citing statements by organisations such as the All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM), the Naga Women’s Union, and the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL), it alleged instances of excessive force against women protestors and a failure to adequately protect Naga villages. The group argued that protests by Naga women along highways should be seen as a response to insecurity rather than obstruction, arising from a perceived lack of impartial protection.
On the issue of NH-202, the organisation disputed claims that the highway remains freely accessible, stating that although there may be no formal restrictions, the presence of security threats, alleged illegal taxation, and reported incidents—including kidnappings—have made travel unsafe in practice. It also addressed allegations of threats to Kuki civilians, stating that any harm to civilians is unacceptable, while questioning whether similar condemnation has been extended to incidents affecting Naga communities.
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Khanuithot-Khon further criticised reported demands for the relocation of Kuki villages from Ukhrul district, describing such proposals as a threat to the region’s multi-ethnic composition and warning that they could amount to demographic displacement. It also rejected attempts to link NSCN-IM cadres to recent incidents, noting that the group remains engaged in political dialogue with the Government of India and has publicly maintained neutrality in the ongoing conflict.
Concluding its response, the organisation called for uniform standards in law enforcement and accountability. It urged authorities to dismantle all illegal bunkers without discrimination, take action against all armed groups equally, review the Suspension of Operations agreement in cases of violations, and acknowledge any gaps in the protection of civilians. It emphasised that its primary concern lies in ensuring fairness and consistency in the application of law, rather than engaging in continued rhetorical exchanges.