UKHRUL: Villagers of Sinakeithei have questioned the response of the Border Security Force (BSF) after suspected Kuki militants allegedly opened fire on farmers near the 105 G Company BSF post at Sinakeithei Lungter Midhill (Lungter Hill range) on Wednesday at around 3:05 pm.
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A villager identified as Newton Mahung, son of Late Mayonmi Mahung of Sinakeithei was injured.
The villagers alleged that the incident could have been prevented had the BSF personnel stationed at the post intervened promptly. They said the village authority had sought security assistance nearly three weeks ago, anticipating possible threats during the harvesting season.
The villagers expressed concern that the firing took place close to an established BSF post, questioning why the personnel stationed there failed to intervene when farmers came under attack.
They said only around 2% of Sinakeithei’s cultivable paddy land had been cultivated this year, with farmers returning to their fields largely relying on security arrangements, particularly the presence of 151 F Company BSF stationed at Sinakeithei Cemetery.
According to the villagers, the rescue operation became possible only after state security forces and 151 F Company BSF personnel responded with counter-fire from the cemetery side.
They also questioned whether timely intervention by BSF personnel stationed at Tingpibung could have prevented the incident and spared the farmers from the attack.
Describing the situation as a struggle for survival, the villagers urged the authorities to intervene, ensure accountability and strengthen security arrangements to protect their lives, land and livelihood during the harvesting season.
The latest incident comes amid recurring reports of firing and attacks targeting farmers in Sinakeithei village, Ukhrul district. In March 2026, Ukhrul Times reported that a Tangkhul Naga woman and her son were trapped in their fields for several hours after suspected armed Kuki militants allegedly opened fire from bunker positions in the same Lungter Hill range overlooking the village. The two civilians were later rescued by Mahar Regiment personnel using Casspir vehicles despite the ongoing firing. Villagers had raised concerns over the vulnerability of Sinakeithei, citing the presence of fortified positions on surrounding elevated terrain and repeated threats to civilian movement and agricultural activities.
