Senapati: The Naga Women’s Union (NWU) has released a detailed account of incidents that it says reflect a growing pattern of violence, intimidation, and insecurity affecting Naga minority communities in and around the Leilon Vaiphei and Leimakhong areas of Manipur.
According to the Union, the report is based on first-hand testimonies from victims, village leaders, and field visits to several affected locations. The organization alleges that armed Kuki militant groups and local aggressors have been responsible for a series of incidents targeting Naga villages and residents since the outbreak of the Meitei-Kuki conflict on May 3, 2023.
The NWU claims that acts including abductions, hostage-taking, physical assaults, intimidation, arson, and threats have contributed to a climate of fear among Naga communities in the region. While the Union states that tensions and incidents predate the current conflict, it argues that such occurrences have become more frequent and severe over the past three years.
According to the organization, residents of Naga villages and other minority communities in the area continue to face concerns regarding their safety, property, and livelihoods. The Union further alleges that Naga travelers passing through certain villages have experienced harassment and intimidation.
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The NWU’s report lists several incidents that it says demonstrate an escalating pattern of insecurity:
- 25 March 2023: A JCB excavator was allegedly destroyed and a two-wheeler belonging to a resident of Konsaram Naga village was set on fire in Leilon Vaiphei village.
- 18 June 2023: The residence of a Naga widow in Leimakhong was reportedly burned down allegedly by people belonging to the Kuki community despite the area being under significant security presence.
- 19 June 2024: A woman village chief from Kharam Thadoi village, belonging to the Aimol Naga tribe, and her son were allegedly abducted by Kuki militants near the ZEO office in Kangpokpi. The family resides near the Leilon Vaiphei.
- 1 September 2024: The same village chief was reportedly sought by more than 40 armed individuals at her residence but managed to evade them.
- 7 January 2025: A Naga woman was allegedly subjected to a severe assault by Kuki militants which the Union describes as amounting to an attempted murder.
- 5 April 2025: Konsakhul Naga village was reportedly attacked by a large group of armed Kuki individuals. The village chief, chairman, secretary, pastor, and other residents were allegedly assaulted.
- 9 February 2026: The residence of Ab. Ajan of K. Lungwiram was reportedly set ablaze during the night.
- 11 January 2026: The NWU alleges that the words “Kuki Land” and “Stay Away” were inscribed on monoliths in Ireng Naga village.
- 12 January 2026: The chairman of Ireng village reportedly received threats by Thangboi Kipgen, the commander of KNF-P, including warnings that the village would be burned.
- 13 May 2026: Eighteen civilians were allegedly taken hostage from the Leilon Vaiphei area by militants identified by the Union as members of KNF-P.
- 13 May 2026: Wilson Thanga Chiru, a farmer from Dolang village, was reportedly shot dead. Dolang village is allegedly the same range here Kuki militants are actively involved.
- 31 May 2026: Three men inspecting a community water pipeline that had allegedly been damaged were reportedly ambushed, leaving one person injured.
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The report also references several incidents involving members of other communities:
- 25 November 2024: Laishram Kamalbabu Singh, a Military Engineering Services (MES) project supervisor at Leimakhong Military Station, reportedly went missing on November 25. Search operations by security forces and police did not locate him.
- 13 May 2026: Three Thadou Baptist religious leaders were reportedly killed between Kotzim and Kotlen villages. On the same day 18 Naga hostages were taken and Thanga of Dolang village was killed.
- 6 July 2023: According to police reports, two teenagers, Phijam Hemjit (20) and Linthoingambi (17), went missing after last being traced in the Jouzangtek area.
- 16 March 2025: Police records indicate that Luwang Mukhesh (20) was reported missing after last being traced in the same region.
The NWU argues that the recurrence of disappearance cases in and around the Jouzangtek-Leimakhong corridor warrants further investigation by the relevant authorities.
The Union states that the cumulative effect of these incidents poses a serious challenge to the security and well-being of Naga communities living in the affected areas. It has expressed concern over the fate of six Naga hostages whom it believes were killed by militants belonging to the Kuki National Front–Presidential (KNF-P).
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The organization has appealed to the Ministry of Home Affairs, as well as the Central and State Governments, to establish the status of the missing hostages and ensure that any available information is shared with the affected families.
The NWU further contends that the current security situation is linked to the activities of Kuki militant groups operating under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with the Government of India. The organization has called on the authorities to review the agreement and assess whether changes are necessary in light of the incidents cited in its report.
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The allegations outlined in the report reflect the perspective of the Naga Women’s Union. Independent verification of all claims and incidents would require investigation by law enforcement agencies and relevant authorities.