Kanggui: In a fresh escalation along IT Road, innocent farmers of M. Wakotphai Village under P.O. T. Waichong, Kangpokpi District, were attacked this morning at around 9:20 AM.
According to the condemnation letter issued by the Office of the M. Wakotphai Village Authority, the attack was carried out by Tangkhul-led NSCN-IM cadres who are under peace talks with the Government of India. Ground reports indicate that ZUF-K cadres were also involved in the initial attack on paddy field huts where farmers were resting.
What the Village Authority Said:
The Authority, headed by Chief Thangjalam Hangshing and Secretary Lamsat Chongloi, issued a four-point condemnation and appeal:
- Strong Condemnation: The Authority strongly condemned the unprovoked attack on innocent and unarmed farmers.
- Demand for Security: It urged the Government to immediately provide and deploy adequate armed security personnel in and around M. Wakotphai Village to safeguard innocent villagers and their livelihood.
- Review of Peace Talks: It urged the Central Government to review the ongoing peace talks with the NSCN-IM in order to protect innocent Indian citizens, stating that The peace process is being used as impunity by the NSCN-IM solely for sinister acts against innocent civilians.
- Ceasefire Violation Questioned: It sought clarification as to why NSCN-IM cadres are allowed to operate freely on Manipur soil when former Prime Minister Late Atal Bihari Vajpayee had clearly declared that the ceasefire does not extend to Manipur, and demanded strict and appropriate action against those involved.
Retaliation and 4 Killed:
As per detailed information received after the initial attack, Kuki village volunteers stationed nearby rushed to the spot to rescue the farmers after hearing heavy gunfire from sophisticated weapons.
In the ensuing retaliatory action to rescue the civilians, the volunteers hit back at the attackers. In the exchange of fire, 4 NSCN-IM cadres were eliminated on the spot.
Locals said the retaliation was not an offensive but a defensive rescue operation, as farmers were trapped inside field huts. No casualties have been reported on the Kuki civilian side in the counter-action.
The situation in and around M. Wakotphai and IT Road remains tense, with villagers demanding immediate intervention from Central and State security forces to prevent further attacks. The Village Authority’s statement dated 27th August, 2026 has been submitted to the Government for necessary action.
