UKHRUL: The Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) and the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) have strongly condemned the burning of Phaimol village in Manipur’s Kamjong district, alleging that the attack was carried out by cadres of the NSCN-IM along with members of the Shanni Nationalities Army (SNA), an armed group reportedly operating from Myanmar.
In separate statements issued on Wednesday, both organisations described the incident as part of a continuing pattern of attacks on Kuki villages in the hill districts of Manipur and called on the Government of India and the Government of Manipur to strengthen security measures and initiate immediate action against those responsible.
Kuki Inpi Manipur stated that the incident was particularly concerning because, according to the organisation, the village had been under the protection of the Assam Rifles until security personnel reportedly vacated the post a day before the arson attack. KIM called for a transparent inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the withdrawal of security forces and the subsequent attack.
The organisation further alleged that Phaimol is the latest among several Kuki villages affected by arson attacks during 2026. It listed K. Songlung in Kangpokpi, Litan-Sareikhong, Songphel and Mullam in Ukhrul, Lanchah and Kultuh in Kamjong, Molnoi along the Myanmar border, Kharam Vaiphei and Loibol Khullen in Kangpokpi, and Phaimol as villages that have been set ablaze this year.
According to KIM, the repeated incidents point to serious security concerns that require urgent intervention. The organisation also questioned the alleged involvement of NSCN-IM cadres despite the group’s ceasefire arrangement with the Government of India, stating that such incidents could undermine public confidence in the peace process.
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The Committee on Tribal Unity also condemned the attack, alleging that the NSCN-IM and the SNA were responsible for the incident. CoTU described the attack as part of a series of assaults on Kuki-Zo habitations in Kamjong district and appealed to the Government of India to take decisive action against armed groups operating in the region.
The organisation further alleged that the involvement of the SNA, which it described as a Myanmar-based armed group, raises concerns over cross-border militancy and its implications for security in Manipur.
Both organisations urged the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, the Government of Manipur and security agencies to ensure the protection of vulnerable villages, investigate the latest incident, and take appropriate measures to prevent further attacks.
