7-point memo cites June 16 Henglep death, 11 villages burnt, 14 civilians killed; demands ceasefire abrogation, political settlement
By Lulun Haokip, Kukiland Express
Songpi, June 19, 2026: Kuki Inpi Manipur, apex body of the Kuki tribes, submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday through the Deputy Commissioner, Kangpokpi District, seeking “urgent intervention regarding the deteriorating Kuki-Naga relations, targeted attacks on Kuki people, and the worsening security situation in Manipur.”
The June 19 memorandum, signed by President Ch. Ajang Khongsai and General Secretary Paotinthang Lupheng, said 11 Kuki villages have been ravaged and burnt while 14 Kuki civilians have lost their lives in repeated attacks. It stated that continued delay in addressing these incidents has deepened the sense of victimisation, insecurity, and abandonment among the Kuki people.
KIM said the deterioration stems from escalating incidents. On February 8, Litan Sareikong, a Kuki village, was allegedly burnt following a drunken altercation, prompting retaliatory burning of a Litan-Tangkhul Naga village. Despite KIM’s calls for restraint, it alleged that Kuki villages continued to face provocations and attacks.
On March 13, two Kuki men were allegedly abducted from Thawai Kuki village by NSCN-IM cadres. Kuki villagers detained 21 Tangkhul individuals but later released them. KIM claimed the abducted Kuki men were killed. On May 13, NSCN-IM and ZUF (K) allegedly ambushed religious leaders, killing three pastors and injuring five others. Violence has since escalated with retaliatory actions and hostage-taking, which the memorandum said was later resolved with government intervention.
The body warned that considering demands of organisations while ignoring attacks on Kukis would alienate the community. It said fulfilling United Naga Council demands without justice for victims would be seen as favouring UNC and disregarding Kuki suffering. KIM added, “We cannot be part of any political arrangement in Manipur that ignores our pain, our dead, and our destroyed villages.”
KIM placed a seven-point “Charter of Demands” for urgent, time-bound action:
- Justice in Henglep case: On June 16, 2026, Central Security Forces allegedly carried out an operation at Songkong Village, Henglep Subdivision, killing Lemminsang of Kolchung Village. Eyewitnesses cited by KIM alleged forces shelled the village with two mortar rounds, causing panic among unarmed civilians, and that Lemminsang was pursued and shot dead while staying to assist in jhum cultivation. KIM termed it an “extrajudicial killing” and demanded an impartial judicial inquiry, FIR against personnel involved, and accountability.
- Abrogate NSCN-IM ceasefire: KIM urged review and abrogation of the ceasefire with NSCN-IM, alleging direct or indirect involvement in violence and intimidation against Kukis. It said the ceasefire must not shield armed groups operating with impunity and sought action against all proxies and affiliated groups.
- Justice for 14 civilians: Demanding probes into the killing of 14 Kuki civilians, KIM said deaths cannot be treated as statistics but as grave violations of the right to life. It sought identification, arrest, and prosecution of all involved, plus compensation, protection, and support for victims’ families.
- Probe into 11 burnt villages: KIM called for a time-bound, impartial investigation into the burning of 11 Kuki villages, citing destruction of homes, churches, granaries, livestock, farms, and livelihood assets. It demanded full damage assessment, compensation, reconstruction aid, and prosecution of perpetrators.
- Security in vulnerable villages: The memo sought immediate deployment of adequate, neutral Central Security Forces in all vulnerable Kuki villages. It said deployment must be preventive, not selective or delayed, to protect women, children, students, elderly, displaced persons, and farmers.
- Report on investigations: KIM asked for a clear, time-bound report on all government investigations into killings, village burnings, and attacks on Kuki areas. It said people have the right to know actions taken, arrests made, and preventive steps, adding that delay and lack of transparency deepen mistrust.
- Political settlement: Stating that temporary security measures are not enough, KIM urged the Centre to expedite a political settlement for the Kuki people to ensure safety, survival, dignity, and constitutional rights. It called for a lasting solution for self-governance and a secure future.
KIM concluded that continued delay will worsen suffering and alienation. It urged the Government of India to act “firmly, fairly, and immediately” to protect the Kuki people, uphold justice, restore confidence, and prevent further loss of innocent lives.
