Tangkhul Bodies Issue 24-Hour Ultimatum Over Alleged Kuki Mob Attack on Ukhrul-Bound Vehicle

Ukhrul, June 27: The Katho Katamnao Long and the Tangkhul Naga Valley Students’ Association (TNVSA) have issued a 24-hour ultimatum demanding action against individuals allegedly involved in a mob attack on a Winger vehicle heading to Ukhrul.

The incident, which took place on June 26 at Mongkot Chepu village, reportedly left a female passenger injured and involved assault of the driver by a mob.

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Speaking to this correspondent, the Katho Katamnao Long informed that the incident took place on Thursday near the Litan Bridge, when two individuals on a kinetic bike reportedly overtook a Winger mini van in an aggressive manner. In response, the driver of the van shouted, “Overtake properly.” This led to the bikers stopping the van, and one of them, allegedly a Kuki, assaulted the driver. Shortly after, a mob gathered and attacked the vehicle, breaking the windshield and injuring a female passenger.

The Tangkhul student bodies condemned the alleged assault, which they claim was carried out by members of the Kuki community residing along the Ukhrul-Imphal road (NH-202). They also criticised the conduct of the Mongkot Chepu village chief, accusing him of threatening passengers while under the influence of alcohol.

“This is not the first such provocation,” the statement reads, recalling repeated attacks on road commuters and alleging a pattern of harassment by certain Kuki villages along the highway. Despite numerous appeals for peace and mutual understanding, the organisations claim their efforts have been disregarded and perceived as weakness.

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In response, the two Tangkhul student bodies have warned of stringent actions if the alleged culprits are not produced within 24 hours of the ultimatum’s issuance. “Failure to comply with this ultimatum will result in serious and unbearable consequences,” the joint statement warned, threatening to block all movement of Kukis along the NH-202 stretch and ban their presence in Ukhrul district.

The organisations cautioned that further actions would follow if their demands are not met.

Ukhrul Times spoke with Litan Police regarding the incident. The Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Litan Police informed Ukhrul Times that the incident occurred around 7:15 PM on Thursday night. He stated that the passengers of the Winger, the aggrieved party, and those involved in the assault are in the process of reaching a compromise. He further clarified that no case has been registered so far. The OC also confirmed that both injuries sustained in the incident are minor.