Chassad/Kamjong: The Kuki Civil Society Organizations in Kamjong District have raised serious concerns over continued violence, selective political outreach and targeted attacks on Kuki civilians, in two separate press releases issued on 16th October 2026.
The first statement questioned the recent visit of Phungyar MLA Leishiyo Keishing to Ningchou village. According to the Kuki CSO Working Committee, Kamjong District, the visit has raised concerns within the Kuki community over his apparent selective political solidarity, his criticism of Assam Rifles and his continued silence over violence against innocent Kuki civilians.
The Committee stated that the roadblock at Chassad was reportedly intended to provide Kuki residents an opportunity to meet the MLA, voice their grievances and seek answers regarding the killings of civilians, burning of houses and continuing insecurity in their villages. The women who gathered were seeking an opportunity to be heard by a political leader from whom they expected justice and support.
Instead of engaging with the aggrieved Kuki residents, the MLA reportedly chose to remain inside a Casper armoured vehicle and leave the area. The CSO asked why an elected representative was unwilling to face the very people seeking answers from him and what he was afraid of being asked. It added that an elected representative’s responsibility is to listen to every constituent, particularly those who have suffered violence and loss, and an armoured vehicle cannot become a means of avoiding legitimate public questions.
The CSO also highlighted what it called selective solidarity and the continuing suffering of Kukis. On 5th May 2026, Lanchah village was reportedly burnt by NSCN (IM) cadres; on 11th June, Kultuh village was attacked resulting in the death of its pastor in firing; and on 1st July, Phaimol village was burnt. Yet, the Kuki community has not witnessed comparable political outreach to these victims.
The situation worsened in October. On 10th October, a Kuki woman was allegedly shot at point-blank range by IRB personnel reportedly under the influence of alcohol, followed by the burning of Kuki houses in Chassad. The following day, a villager was reportedly killed by NSCN (IM) cadres. On 15th October, a Kuki couple travelling from Phaikoh towards Maulvailup was reportedly ambushed by NSCN (IM) cadres, resulting in the death of the woman. The CSO questioned where the MLA’s concern was when Kuki villages were burnt and where the political outrage was when Kuki women and innocent civilians are killed.
In a second, more detailed condemnation statement issued on the same day under Ref No. KCSO/KMJ/PR-06/26, the Kuki CSO Working Committee issued its unequivocal and strongest possible condemnation regarding the brutal and unlawful killing of Mrs. Hatneikim Haokip, 46 years old from Maokot Village.
The Committee said due to the present crisis her family had temporarily shifted to Molvailup village. Sources confirm that she was in her third trimester of pregnancy. The incident occurred on 15/10/26 in between Aishi Village and Phaikoh Village in Kamjong District.
Initial reports indicate that Mrs. Hatneikim Haokip along with her husband was travelling back home from Phaikoh riding on a motorbike when the incident happened. Her husband Mr. Jangkhongam Haokip @ Ngamshi also sustained bullet injuries. Ground reports confirm that it was a deliberately, well-planned ambush attacked by the NSCN IM and its allied forces on the Kukis in Kamjong District. The CSO said this heinous act represents a devastating loss of life and a profound violation of fundamental human rights.
The Committee stated that the deliberate targeting or reckless endangerment of innocent civilians, particularly women and vulnerable populations, is entirely indefensible. Under international humanitarian law and global human rights norms, parties to any conflict have an absolute obligation to protect civilian lives.
The Kuki CSO also flagged concerns over selective blame. It said the MLA’s criticism of Assam Rifles following the Ningchou incident raises concerns about the selective presentation of events. Assam Rifles personnel reportedly played an important role in managing the Chassad situation and protecting civilians. Their actions deserve an objective assessment, alongside a thorough investigation of all allegations against security personnel and other armed actors.
The reported circumstances surrounding the Chassad-Kamjong police barricade on 9th October also demand an independent investigation. The alleged shooting of the Kuki woman, the conduct of IRB personnel and the role of the district police leadership must be examined impartially, the statement said.
In response to these grave incidents, the Kuki CSO has placed five urgent demands before the Government of India: Independent investigations into the alleged shooting of the Kuki woman on 10th October, the 15th October ambush and the circumstances surrounding the 9th October police barricade; Accountability for any police or IRB misconduct established through investigation, including an impartial review of the IRB deployment; Equal compensation and humanitarian assistance for Kuki families whose homes and shops were destroyed in Chassad, Lanchah, Kultuh and Phaimol; Accountability for attacks attributed to NSCN (IM) cadres and effective security for vulnerable Kuki villages; and Equal political and administrative treatment for Kuki civilians, without ethnic discrimination or selective concern.
Concluding its message, the Kuki community said it continues to place its faith in the Government of India and the constitutional institutions of this country. It seeks neither revenge nor the denial of rights to any community but demands justice, security and equality. It clarified that it does not oppose the protection of Tangkhul civilians but opposes the selective neglect of Kuki civilians. It does not oppose an MLA visiting any village but condemns a representative who allegedly avoids meeting aggrieved constituents seeking answers about their suffering. The Committee said if the MLA can visit affected villages to hear one community, he must have the courage to face the other, and that leadership is demonstrated by listening to those who question you, not by retreating behind the armour of a vehicle.
