UKHRUL: The Zeliangrong United Front-Kamson (ZUF-K) has firmly denied any involvement in the deadly ambush that resulted in multiple civilian deaths today in Kangpokpi District, Manipur. This denial comes in response to accusations from various groups, including the Kuki Inpi Manipur, linking the group to the attack.
The tragic incident occurred between two Kuki villages—Kotlen and Kotzim— and claimed the lives of Christian ministers Rev. V. Sitlhou, Rev. Kaigoulen, and Pastor Paogoulen. Following the incident, more than fifteen villagers, including those from Maram, Kangpokpi, and Konsakhul Naga village, have been reportedly held hostage at Leilon Vaiphei village by suspected Kuki militants.
In a press statement, the ZUF, specifically the Kamson faction, expressed deep shock and concern regarding the fatal ambush while categorically denying their involvement.
“The ZUF categorically clarifies that the organization has no involvement whatsoever in the aforementioned ambush. The allegations circulating in certain sections of society and on social media, particularly those made by the Kuki Inpi Manipur, linking the ZUF to this incident, are completely baseless, unfounded, and misleading. The organization was neither aware of nor connected to the attack in any manner,” the ZUF stated.
The organization also urged civil society organizations and media outlets to refrain from spreading unverified information or making premature accusations without factual evidence, as such misinformation could further inflame an already sensitive situation.
Also read | Naga Village Guard Denies Tangkhul Community Involvement in Molnoi Attack
In a separate development, the Kuki Liberation Army-Letkholun (KLA-L) faction issued a press statement today opposing the proposed visit of the ‘Meitei Chief Minister’ to the ‘Kuki-Zo ancestral land’ scheduled for May 15, 2026.
The KLA-L stated that since the catastrophic events of May 3, 2023, the separation between Manipur (Meitei land) and ‘Kuki-Zo land’ is absolute. They argued that there is no longer a shared political or social geography that justifies the Chief Minister’s presence in their area. “If the Meitei Chief Minister considers entering, he must understand that he is no longer traversing a unified state but attempting to cross a boundary between two distinct entities. Any such movement must strictly adhere to the national protocols governing visits between separate territories.”
The armed group also emphasized that the Kuki-Zo people are ready to defend their land with all available resources. “We state with unwavering resolve:
1. Defiance of Buffer Zones: The Government of India established ‘Buffer Zones’ to maintain separation. Any attempt by the Meitei Chief Minister to breach these zones will be viewed as a total lack of respect for Union mandates. The Kuki Liberation Army-Letkholun will not be a silent spectator to such provocations.
2. Total Mobilization: Citizens of Kuki-Zo are hereby called to resist this visit ‘tooth and nail.’ We will not tolerate the presence of an adversary in our territory while true peace remains absent.
Also read | Defer Proposed Visit to Kuki-Zo Areas, KIM Urges Manipur CM
3. Accountability for Violence: Should the Chief Minister choose to ignore this warning and forcibly enter Kuki-Zo land, any resulting unrest, confrontation, or loss of stability will rest solely on his shoulders and the Government of India.
4. Exclusion of Meitei Civilians: Until a definitive and just political peace is established, all Meitei individuals are strictly prohibited from entering Kuki-Zo areas,” the press release declared.
The Kuki armed group further advised the ‘Meitei Chief Minister’ to focus his governance on his own territory (Meitei Land) and to cease these provocative attempts to intrude into Kuki-Zo land. “We seek peace, but we will not allow our borders to be violated by those responsible for the destruction of our people.”