Kamjong, July 24, 2026: The Kuki Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) Working Committee, Kamjong District has rejected allegations that Kuki militants and Assam Rifles destroyed the Bailey Bridge over the Namban River between Phange and Chatric Khunou villages.
In a press release issued on July 23 [Ref No. KCSO/KMJ/2026/PR-07], the committee termed the allegations as “baseless and malicious propaganda” by Tangkhul organisations. It held the Chatric Village Authority and Tangkhul NSCN-IM cadres fully responsible for the destruction.
The vital bridge, which serves as a critical lifeline for connectivity, security and civilian movement in Kamjong, was reportedly blown up recently. Tangkhul groups had allegedly blamed Kuki militants and Assam Rifles for the sabotage.
Countering the claim, the Kuki body asked why any Kuki militant or civilian would venture deep into heavily controlled Tangkhul territory, past NSCN-Eastern Flank cadres and Naga Village Guards, to carry out a sophisticated sabotage requiring large-scale movement of men and explosives. It also questioned why Assam Rifles would destroy a bridge crucial for its own operations.
The committee alleged the bridge was deliberately blown up to permanently cut off connectivity and prevent displaced Kuki families from returning to their ancestral villages of Lanchah, Kultuh and Phaikoh, which it claimed were burnt by Tangkhul NSCN-IM cadres.
It further alleged that on May 16, 2026, the Chatric Village Authority under its Chairman KS Ramsing and Secretary AS Ningreishang had issued orders prohibiting free movement of people and government security forces, physically blocked roads and mobilised women to obstruct Assam Rifles and Indian Army personnel from conducting operations against armed militants sheltered in their villages.
The release accused Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL), Tangkhul Naga Zingsho Longphang (TNZL) and Chatric Village Authority of having a history of attacking Kuki civilians, burning villages and using language treating Kukis as “migrants” and “tenants.”
Demands Raised:
The Kuki CSO Working Committee demanded:
1. Immediate, impartial and thorough investigation by the Government of Manipur and central agencies into the direct role of Chatric Village Authority Chairman KS Ramsing, Secretary AS Ningreishang and Tangkhul NSCN-IM elements in the destruction of the bridge and burning of Kuki villages.
2. Strict legal action under the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act and other relevant laws against those who blocked security forces and enabled the sabotage.
3. An end to the protection and glorification of NSCN-IM cadres by village authorities and civil society organisations.
The committee said Kuki people will not be silenced or intimidated and will continue to fight for justice and the right to live in their ancestral lands.
The statement was issued by the Kuki CSOs Working Committee, Kamjong District.
