Edited by Elvish Haokip, Kukiland Express Desk
Songpi: May 14, 2026
The Kuki History & Identity Protection Committee (KHIPC) on May 14, 2026, called on India to abrogate the Ceasefire Agreement with the NSCN-IM, comparing the outfit’s record to the Middle East terrorist group ISIS and demanding the death penalty for NSCN-IM leader Th. Muivah. The press release came a day after three Kuki church leaders were killed in an ambush in Kangpokpi district, which KHIPC blamed on the NSCN-IM.
In the release, KHIPC condemned the NSCN-IM as a militant outfit whose record “mirrors that of the Middle East terrorist group ISIS, which is notorious for killing civilians and targeting Christians.” It alleged that since the 1990s, the NSCN-IM has been responsible for the killing of over 1,100 Kuki civilians, including documented cases of rape, torture of women, and the murder of month-old infants. The KHIPC stated that such atrocities constitute crimes against humanity and cannot be ignored under the guise of a peace process.
The committee further said the NSCN-IM continues to attack and kill civilians in Nagaland, Manipur, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and other border districts. It added that NSCN-IM militants continue to attack Kuki and Zeliangrong civilians in Ukhrul, Kamjong, Tamenglong, and Noney districts, which have faced repeated raids, arson, and targeted killings. KHIPC holds the NSCN-IM as the main perpetrator in the May 13, 2026, killing of three Kuki church leaders—Rev. V. Sitlhou, Rev. Kaigoulen, and Pastor Paogoulen—between Kotzim and Kotlen in Kangpokpi district.
According to the release, NSCN-IM cadres also continue to operate an illegal taxation regime across Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, and Manipur, extorting money from traders, transporters, and ordinary citizens. KHIPC said the ceasefire has been misused to consolidate armed camps, expand territorial claims, and intimidate indigenous communities that do not subscribe to its agenda.
Appealing to the Centre to “prioritize the lives and security of its citizens over a failed ceasefire,” KHIPC listed four demands. First, the immediate abrogation of the Ceasefire Agreement with the NSCN-IM. Second, an NIA investigation into the NSCN-IM’s role in the killing of Kuki civilians and church leaders, and prosecution under the UAPA. Third, the immediate arrest of NSCN-IM leader Th. Muivah and other senior NSCN-IM leaders, followed by prosecution to the fullest extent of the law, including the death penalty as provided under Indian law. Fourth, action against illegal taxation and armed extortion by the NSCN-IM in all affected states.
The KHIPC release concluded that the Government must not allow a militant group accused of mass killings, rape, and targeted attacks on clergy—“acting like ISIS in its brutality against civilians and Christians”—to function under state protection. It said justice for over 1,100 Kuki victims and the recently slain pastors demands decisive action now.
The statement was issued by the Department of Information & Publicity, Kuki History & Identity Protection Committee (KHIPC), from Lamka Town, Songpi District. The KHIPC, established in 2026, carries the motto “History unforgoten, Identity unshaken, Heritage unbroken.”
Disclaimer: Allegations against NSCN-IM and its leaders are based on statements issued by KHIPC and other organisations. Independent investigation and official verification by authorities are ongoing.
