New Delhi: The Kuki Women’s Forum, Delhi & NCR and the Kuki Council have strongly condemned the brutal ambush that claimed the life of Mrs. Hatneikim Haokip on 15th October 2026 in Kamjong District. The two organizations, in their press releases issued on 16th October 2026, termed the attack a grave violation of the right to life and demanded immediate impartial investigation and accountability from the Government of India.
According to reports cited by both bodies, four Kuki villagers were travelling from Molvailup to Phaikoh in Kamjong District to purchase essential commodities when they were allegedly ambushed by NSCN-IM cadres and Tangkhul militants from Burma and ZUF(K) between 4:00 and 5:00 PM. Mrs. Hatneikim Haokip was killed on the spot, while her husband Mr. Jamkhongam Haokip sustained serious injuries and narrowly escaped. Two other Kuki civilians remain missing after the attack.
The Women’s Forum, in its Condemnation and Condolence Statement Ref. No. KZWFD&NCR/2026/CON/40, expressed profound grief and stated that no individual should have to risk life simply to provide for family. The Forum said such attacks against unarmed civilians engaged in daily pursuit of basic necessities must not be allowed to continue with impunity and urged the Ministry of Home Affairs to intervene without delay.
The Women’s Forum further demanded effective measures to locate the two missing civilians and ensure their safe return, and to provide security to vulnerable Kuki communities to prevent further loss of innocent lives. It extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and said it stands in solidarity with the loved ones during this time of unbearable grief and prays for strength and comfort.
The Kuki Council in its Press Release KZC/SIP/PR/071 dated 16th October 2026 said the reported death toll of Kuki civilians killed in violence attributed to NSCN-IM and ZUF(K) has now risen to 30. The Council strongly condemned the continued killings and demanded an immediate, impartial investigation and accountability for those responsible for the ambush.
The Council also raised political accountability. It noted that Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho has accused his colleague Nemcha Kipgen and demanded her removal over allegations of complicity in killing of Naga civilians. However, the Council said allegations concerning his own links with NSCN-IM and ZUF(K), groups held responsible for killing of 30 Kuki civilians, must also be subjected to scrutiny.
In a sharp observation, the Council said accountability must be impartial, consistent and free from political selectivity. He cannot demand accountability from his colleague while questions about his own alleged associations remain unanswered. It stated that if leaders in Manipur are demanding abrogation of Suspension of Operations agreements with KNO/UPF, the ceasefire arrangement with NSCN-IM must also be reviewed for abrogation.
Furthermore, the Council argued that if President of KNF(P) is to be arrested and treated as a terrorist, the leadership of NSCN-IM must likewise face appropriate legal action for its alleged responsibility in the killing of more than 1,000 Kukis during the 1990s and the recent killings of Kuki civilians. No individual or organisation should be above law, it said.
Both organisations asserted that the Government must uphold rule of law through consistent and impartial action. The Women’s Forum concluded that killing of innocent civilians must not be normalised and justice must not be delayed, while the Council stressed that justice cannot be selective and accountability must be equal for all and safety, dignity and right to life of Kuki civilians must be protected.
