UKHRUL: The Working Committee of the Tangkhul Naga Long has raised serious concerns over recent developments in Manipur, highlighting what it termed as a breakdown of law and order and questioning the State government’s actions on multiple fronts.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the committee drew attention to the ongoing violence in Sinakeithei village, alleged extortion along National Highway-202, and the Chief Minister’s recent engagement with the Kuki-Zo Council.
According to the committee, tensions escalated on February 23, 2026, when alleged Kuki militants under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement set fire to the Lungter area, a community reserved forest in Sinakeithei village. On the same day, villagers reportedly came under fire, and a farmer was abducted. Despite repeated appeals by village authorities, only limited security forces, including personnel from the Manipur Rifles and the 4 Mahar Regiment were deployed in the area.
The committee further alleged that militants re-launched attacks on March 19, with violence continuing in the days that followed. On March 21, a mother and her son harvesting cabbage near the village were reportedly subjected to heavy firing and later rescued by security personnel after several hours. Residents, the statement said, have been living in fear since the renewed violence began, while accusing the government of remaining “silent” and failing to act decisively.
The committee also questioned the Chief Minister’s decision to engage with the Kuki-Zo Council. It pointed out that a December 18, 2024 press release by the Manipur government had dismissed the organization’s legitimacy. It therefore sought clarification on why the Chief Minister’s office initiated a meeting with the Council’s chairman on March 17 and subsequently held talks on March 21 in Guwahati.
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Further, the committee objected to discussions reportedly held during the meeting on the Tangkhul Naga and Kuki conflict in Ukhrul district without any representation from the Tangkhul Naga community. It termed the move as “inconsiderate” and a deviation from democratic norms.
Raising concerns over security on NH-202, the committee stated that despite assurances from the State government to ensure safe passage, reports emerged on March 22 of alleged Kuki militants collecting taxes from vehicles along the highway. The development, it said, contradicts earlier commitments made to the Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong, which had called off a mass protest following government assurances.
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The committee also refuted claims made by certain Kuki civil society organisations alleging involvement of the NSCN-IM in the ongoing violence. It described such allegations as “fabricated,” asserting that Tangkhul Nagas have been defending their areas through local volunteers.
The Working Committee urged the State government to take immediate action to restore normalcy, placing the following demands:
- Immediate intervention in Sinakeithei village and action against those violating the SoO agreement
- Deployment of road opening parties (ROP) along NH-202 from Litan to Mahadev to ensure safe passage
- Legal action against individuals and platforms allegedly spreading misinformation and inciting violence online under relevant laws
- Clarification from the Chief Minister regarding engagement with the Kuki-Zo Council and the exclusion of Tangkhul Naga representatives in discussions
The committee stressed that urgent and decisive steps are necessary to restore public confidence and maintain peace in the region.