By Nengcha Haokip, Kukiland Express Desk
Ukhrul: April 25, 2026
The Kuki CSO Working Committee in Ukhrul has warned of “full-scale self-defence” after coordinated attacks on Kuki-inhabited villages left two village volunteers dead and 16 homes torched on April 24, calling the violence a “clear declaration of war.” In a detailed statement released Friday, the committee held both the state government and the Centre directly responsible for any further escalation, alleging that repeated appeals for protection of vulnerable settlements have gone unheeded despite mounting casualties.
According to the committee, Tangkhul militants launched multi-directional offensives across Mulam, Shongphel, Mongkot Chepu, Shangkai and Zalenbung beginning in the early hours of April 24. Armed assailants reportedly advanced from Sirarikhong and Sinakeithel and set up an ambush along the IVR route between Mulam and Shongphel. Village volunteers Paominlun Haolai, 22, and Letlal Sitlhou, 41, were killed while attempting to assist residents under fire. At least nine civilians sustained injuries, including minor girl Baby Chinnunkim Baite and elderly villager Seilenmang Simte, while others were identified as L Vahneilhing Mate, Letjakai Kipgen, Ngamgousem Baite, Nemneichong Baite, Lhingkhoneng Haokip, Chinneikim Baite, Lalkhohao Vaiphei.
The committee reported that 16 houses in Mulam were completely destroyed in arson attacks that followed the gunfire. The homes belonged to Paokholun Haokip, Letkhothang Haokip, Seitinmang Baite, Thangjangam Haokip, Thangthong Haokip, Jangmang Haokip, Nemkhohoi Chongloi, Janglalkai Khongsai, Thangmang Haokip, Thangminlun Touthang, Mangkhogin Haokip, Manglun Haokip, Lalcha Mate, Simon Haokip, Thangminlun Haokip and Thangminshon. Families fled into nearby forests as flames spread, and many remained displaced Friday amid fears of renewed raids. The statement credited the 4th Mahar Regiment and Border Security Force personnel with preventing further damage, noting that security forces carried out rescue operations and evacuated the injured.
Citing a police spot inquiry, the committee alleged that ammunition recovered from the attack sites was traced to looted state armoury stocks and linked to Arambai Tenggol. It further accused Tangkhul militants associated with NSCN (EF) of orchestrating the raids, describing the violence as part of a sustained campaign to displace Kuki communities from Ukhrul district. The committee said Mongkot Chepu endured prolonged gunfire from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, with fighting resuming around 4:50 pm, forcing village volunteers to take defensive positions. Later, around 5:45 pm, Shangkai and Zalenbung reportedly came under heavy fire from the Thawai Tangkhul direction, allegedly involving NSCN-IM/EF cadres despite security force presence.
Calling the incidents a “coordinated campaign of aggression,” the committee claimed that attacks on Kuki civilians were being underreported while injured Tangkhul attackers were airlifted for medical treatment. It rejected reports alleging that Kuki groups attacked Sinakeithel, terming them “false narratives” meant to deflect attention from the assaults on Kuki villages. The committee said the pattern of violence, displacement, and impunity has pushed communities to the brink, warning that Kuki villages will exercise their right to self-defence if state protection fails.
Stating that the situation has reached a critical juncture, the Kuki CSO Working Committee warned that full responsibility for any further fallout will rest with the state government and the Government of India. It demanded immediate deployment of adequate forces to vulnerable villages, a probe into the use of looted ammunition, and urgent relief for displaced families. The committee added that forced coexistence under the current administration has become untenable, and reiterated that only political separation can guarantee the safety and dignity of Kuki people in the hill districts
