Saikul: Fresh violence was reported from Songphal Mullan Hills on Tuesday morning, October 14, 2026. According to ground information, the attack on Kuki civilians took place in the early morning hours when most families were inside their homes. The firing created panic in the village, where women, children and elderly persons were present at the time.
Villagers on the spot have alleged that cadres belonging to NSCN-IM and ZUF-K were behind the attack. As per local accounts, the armed group approached from the hill side and opened fire towards civilian houses. No exchange of fire was reported from the village side. Villagers said the attackers left after firing towards the settlement, moving back towards the ridge area.
Following the incident, many families left their homes and took shelter in nearby safer locations. Bullet marks were seen on walls and rooftops, while belongings were left scattered as people fled in hurry. Till this afternoon, the village remained tense and largely deserted, with village guards keeping watch over the area. No official casualty report has been confirmed so far.
Local residents said Kuki villages in the Mullan range have been facing threats and intimidation for several months. Movement of armed cadres along cultivation paths and village routes has been reported earlier, affecting farming and daily activities. Villagers said the matter had been brought to the notice of authorities before today’s firing.
According to information shared by local Kuki village bodies and residents on the ground, more than 30 Kuki civilians have allegedly been killed in separate incidents linked to NSCN-IM and ZUF-K cadres this year alone. Villagers said these incidents include targeted killings, ambush on civilian vehicles and firing on settlements. The figures are based on local compilation and are yet to be independently verified by official agencies, with families still awaiting justice in many of those cases.
Security officials have been informed and are expected to carry out spot verification. Photos and videos recorded during and after the attack have been shared by villagers for examination. The situation in Songphal Mullan Hills continues to remain tense as displaced families await security arrangements to return to their homes.
