Songpi: Condemnations have poured in from Kuki legislators following the brutal killing of four innocent Kuki civilians in two separate attacks in Tamenglong district on Saturday, a day when the Kuki community observes Sahnit-Ni or Kuki Black Day. Henglep MLA Letzamang Haokip, 57-Henglep (ST) Assembly Constituency, and Saikul MLA Kimneo Hangshing, 46-Saikul Assembly Constituency, in two separate official condemnation letters issued from Henglep and Imphal respectively, have denounced the killings in the strongest terms and extended solidarity to the bereaved families. Both letters have been addressed to the people and to the concerned security agencies for immediate action.
In his condemnation note issued from Henglep on 13th September 2026, Letzamang Haokip said, “It is with profound sorrow and unequivocal condemnation that I denounce the brutal attack and killing of 4 (four) innocent Kuki civilians, including a pregnant woman, in L. Tollen Village and Longpi Village, Tamenglong, allegedly perpetrated by armed militants today.” The MLA said the loss of innocent lives is a grave tragedy and a deeply disturbing reminder of the persistent insecurity faced by the people of his constituency and neighbouring areas. He said such violence against unarmed civilians is wholly unacceptable and must not be allowed to continue. He extended his deepest condolences to the bereaved families and expressed his solidarity with the victims and affected communities during this difficult time.
In a more detailed condemnation issued from her office at Type-V/6-Officers Colony, Sanjenthong, Imphal, Saikul MLA Kimneo Hangshing on the same day expressed her strongest and unequivocal condemnation of what she called barbaric and cold-blooded killing of innocent civilians, including women and children, in two separate incidents perpetrated by armed militants. She named the victims as Pu Seineh Singsit of L. Tollen Village, Pi Lhingjangai, wife of Pu Seineh Singsit, of L. Tollen Village, Mr. Thangvel Gangte of Longpi Village, Tamenglong, and Mrs Julie Gangte of Longpi Village, Tamenglong. She also mentioned the critical injury caused to Hemminsang Singsit, son of Pu Seineh Singsit, who was shot during the attack on the family’s house. She said the merciless acts have plunged the people into profound grief and sorrow.
According to local reports compiled from village authorities, the first attack occurred at around 4 AM on 13th September in L. Tollen Village, a remote Kuki village in Tamenglong district. Armed men allegedly surrounded the house of Seineh Singsit and opened indiscriminate fire. Lhingjangai Singsit died on the spot. Seineh Singsit succumbed later to gunshot injuries. Their youngest son Hemminsang Singsit was shot in the arm and buttocks and is undergoing treatment. Letzamang Haokip’s letter mentions that one of the women killed was pregnant, a claim that has caused further outrage in the community. The second attack took place hours later near Longpi Vengthah when three villagers who had gone to carry rice were allegedly waylaid. Thangvel Gangte and Julie Gangte were allegedly shot dead, while one companion remains missing till filing of this report. Locals have alleged involvement of NSCN-IM cadres in both incidents. The allegation remains unverified, and security forces have not officially confirmed the identity of the attackers.
Both MLAs in their letters said these acts are not only inhuman and reprehensible, but also constitute a grave assault on the sanctity of human life, peace and the very principles of civilized society. Kimneo Hangshing in her letter stated, “The deliberate targeting of women, children and defenseless civilians is an act of cowardice that deserves the strongest condemnation from all sections of society. No cause, ideology, or grievance can ever justify such heinous crimes against innocent lives.” Letzamang Haokip echoed similar sentiment, saying innocent civilians should never be made targets of armed violence and that the insecurity in border areas between Tamenglong and Kangpokpi must be addressed on priority.
The MLAs have urged the concerned security agencies, including Manipur Police, Assam Rifles and Central forces deployed in Tamenglong, to identify and apprehend those responsible and bring them to justice and to prevent any further loss of innocent lives. Kimneo Hangshing appealed to all sections of society to remain united in resolve against violence, to uphold the dignity of human life and to work collectively for peace, security and justice. Letzamang Haokip also said he has requested immediate medical assistance for the injured child and security for villagers who have fled L. Tollen and Longpi following the attacks. Reports from the area said hundreds of women and children have taken shelter in nearby forests and in safer villages in Kangpokpi district.
The killings have added tension to the already solemn day of 13th September, which the Kuki community observes as Sahnit-Ni to remember victims of the 1990s ethnic violence, especially the Joupi massacre of 1993 in which over 90 Kuki civilians were killed. Community organisations said this year’s Black Day has turned bloody again with fresh civilian deaths on the same date. Kuki Inpi, Kuki Students Organisation and other bodies have condemned the twin attacks and have sought an NIA probe and deployment of Central forces in vulnerable Kuki villages in Tamenglong. Till late evening, search operations were continuing in the Longpi and L. Tollen areas to trace the missing villager and to secure the villages.
