Edited by Elvish Haokip, Kukiland Express Desk
Songpi: May 13, 2026
The Kuki Human Rights Council on Tuesday issued a strong condemnation of the May 13 ambush on Kuki church leaders between Kotzim and Kotlen in Kangpokpi District and the burning of Molnoi Kuki village in Myanmar’s Sagaing Region, calling both attacks part of a coordinated pattern of violence against Kukis. In a press statement, Ref. No: KHRC/PR/2026/07, the KHRC termed the ambush a “heinous crime against humanity” and a direct assault on religious freedom and civilian life.
The KHRC said the ambush was carried out by the Tangkhul militant ZUF-Kamson faction, NSCN-IM, and VBIGs, killing Rev. V. Sitlhou, former General Secretary of the Manipur Baptist Convention, Pastor Kaigoulun, and Pastor Paogoulen. Injured in the attack were Rev. SM Haopu, Rev. Hekai Simte, Rev. Paothang, and civilian drivers Lelen and Goumang. The Council further condemned the alleged burning of Molnoi Kuki village in Homalin District, Sagaing Region, Myanmar, by NSCN-Eastern Flank on May 12, 2026.
According to the KHRC, the Molnoi attack involved the deliberate targeting of innocent Kuki civilians, destruction of over 30 homes, and forced displacement of women, children, and the elderly across the international border. The Council said it constitutes ethnic aggression and a grave violation of international humanitarian law. The KHRC stated that these twin attacks within 48 hours expose a coordinated pattern of violence aimed at terrorizing the Kuki people on both sides of the Indo-Myanmar border.
The statement said this reflects the Government of India’s complete failure to deliver justice to the Kuki community. It cited the 1993 Kuki-Naga conflict, in which the NSCN-IM killed more than 1,100 Kuki civilians and burned over 300 Kuki villages, and the ongoing Kuki-Meitei conflict since May 3, 2023, where more than 200 Kuki people have been killed, over 250 villages burned down, over 41,000 Kukis displaced, churches desecrated, and civilians killed with impunity. The KHRC alleged central forces remain mute spectators while armed groups under Suspension of Operations and cross-border militant factions operate freely.
The KHRC said the Government of India has abandoned its constitutional duty to protect the lives, property, and religious freedom of the Kuki people. It added that justice, and the demand for a Kuki State or Union Territory, has been denied, and peace remains non-existent in the region. The Council held the Government of India fully accountable for the continued bloodshed. seo
The KHRC placed four demands: Immediate NIA investigation and prosecution of ZUF-Kamson faction, NSCN-IM, VBIGs, and NSCN-EF cadres involved in the ambush of Kuki church leaders and attacks on Kuki civilians in Ukhrul and Kamjong districts, under UAPA and other relevant laws. Immediate deployment of neutral central forces to secure all Kuki villages and religious convoys in Ukhrul, Kamjong, Kangpokpi, Churachandpur, and Indo-Myanmar border areas. Full compensation, medical care, and rehabilitation for the families of the deceased and injured church leaders and for displaced villagers. A time-bound judicial inquiry into the role of state and non-state actors in the systematic targeting of Kuki civilians from the 1993 Kuki-Naga conflict to the 2023 Kuki-Meitei conflict.
The statement said the Kuki people have suffered ethnic persecution for over 30 years without constitutional protection in the world’s largest democracy. It called on world leaders, the United Nations, international human rights organizations, and democratic nations to support the Kuki demand for a separate State or Union Territory with legislature under Article 3 of the Indian Constitution, calling it the only democratic and constitutional safeguard against continued genocide, ethnic cleansing, and majoritarian oppression.
The KHRC said the silence of New Delhi will be remembered by history and that it will document every atrocity and pursue justice before all national and international forums. The Council said it stands with the bereaved families of the church leaders and the people of Molnoi, adding “the Kuki people will not be silenced.” The statement was issued by the Department of Information & Publicity, Kuki Human Rights Council, in the interest of justice, human dignity, and constitutional rights.
