UKHRUL: A Kuki-Zo armed group known as the Village Volunteers Eastern Zone (VVEF) has claimed responsibility for the attack on three Naga villages-Namlee, Wanglee Market, and Choro-in Kamjong District, Manipur, along the Indo-Myanmar border. However, ground reports indicate a different narrative. The number of missing persons from Wanglee Market alone has now risen to twenty-one.
In a statement, the VVEF claimed that the attack was in retaliation for the burning of Lancha Kuki village in the Kamjong district on May 2, 2026. The organization professed that it does not intend to engage in hostility or confrontations with other communities, but felt compelled to respond due to ongoing aggressions allegedly perpetrated by the NSCN-IM faction, particularly its Eastern Flank, against the Kuki community in Ukhrul and Kamjong districts.
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“This incident represents a troubling escalation that demands our attention and action. In retaliation, on May 7, 2026, we targeted the NSCN Eastern Flank and its allies in the regions of Namlee/Wangle and Choro, although they retreated quickly after a brief exchange of fire. This serves as a clear message to the NSCN Eastern Flank and their allies,” the statement read.
The VVEF also alleged that approximately 30 cadres of NSCN-K (AY) have been deployed in the Namlee and Kangkum areas to support the NSCN Eastern Flank, alongside indications that Myanmar-based Shanni Nationalities Army (SNA) elements have provided operational assistance in actions directed against the Kuki community.
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Conversely, an unverified statement purportedly issued by Kuki National Army-Burma (KNA-B), the prime suspect in the attack, has strongly refuted these allegations and denied any involvement. “KNA-B debunks the false and malicious reports blaming us for the arson in Namlee, Choro, and Wanglee villages of Kamjong district this morning,” the statement read. They also asserted that the armed Kuki group purportedly operating in Myanmar was not involved in activities within Indian territory. Additionally, they accused media outlets of irresponsibly tarnishing their image “without any credible evidence and facts.” KNA-B reiterated that its mission is to restore democracy in Myanmar and called for peace and dialogue among all parties in the region, particularly in Ukhrul and Kamjong, to prevent escalating incidents into ethnic conflicts.
However, a detailed ground verification by Ukhrul Times contradicts the VVEF’s claims. The coordinated predawn attack on the three villages—Namlee, Wanglee Market, and Choro—was repelled by the National Socialist Council of Nagalim – Isak-Muivah (NSCN-IM) rather than a faction as the VVEF suggested. The NSCN-IM which has cadres from the Vaiphei community in the border, actively defended the villages against the armed Kuki groups.
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It is important to note that the three Naga villages are not solely inhabited by the Tangkhul community; they consist of various Naga tribes and Myanmarese (Burmese) nationals, including the Vaipheis, who have sought refuge there since the conflict in Myanmar began.
Villagers confirmed to Ukhrul Times that the attackers were Kuki groups, and maintained that the assault came from multiple fronts from Myanmar side, after which the attackers retreated towards Myanmar. The locals also reported hearing one of the attackers speaking in the Kuki language, stating that he had sustained an injury. This injury was corroborated by bloodstains along the path of their retreat. The attackers were repelled by NSCN-IM who comprises of Vaiphei cadres contradicting the claims of the VVEF.
It may also be mentioned that one NSCN-IM member, Jamthang Vaiphei (60) from Salampatong village, was killed by suspected KNA-B cadres on January 25, 2025. The news of the killing was further corroborated by an obituary notice issued by the GPRN Cabinet Secretary, Vaiphei Tribe Council (VTC). The obituary notice stated that Jamthang Vaiphei, Assistant Political Organizer (APO) of Salampatong Village under Vaiphei region, GPRN, was killed, while he was on a visit to his brother’s residence at Moreh, Manipur.
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Meanwhile, the number of missing persons reported from Wanglee Market has risen to 21, including a Tangkhul Naga woman and several Burmese nationals. However, the exact total number of missing persons from the three affected villages could not be independently verified at the time of filing this report.
Around 270 Myanmar nationals including Vaipheis are currently taking shelter in Wanglee village, where Tangkhul civil society organisations and local villagers have been providing humanitarian assistance and care.
As per the latest report, concerned MLA Leishiyo Keishing is in Wanglee, taking stock of the prevailing situation.