Kangpokpi: In a deeply disturbing incident reported from the Kangpokpi hill range, two civilians belonging to the Mao community were reportedly shot dead by suspected cadres of the NSCN-IM. The victims were allegedly mistaken for Kuki residents of Kailenjang village, a development that has triggered widespread condemnation and renewed fears about the safety of innocent civilians in Manipur’s conflict zone. The incident occurred today at Kalenjang, Senapati, while tensions remain high between communities in the area.
According to information received, the two Mao individuals had been entrusted with the responsibility of looking after Kailenjang village in the absence of its Chief and residents. Lhingjahoi Hangshing, Chief of Kailenjang village, had reportedly assigned them to stay back and guard the village properties, livestock and houses when the villagers had to leave the area due to prevailing inter-community tensions. The arrangement was based on mutual trust and understanding between the village Chief and the two Mao civilians who had agreed to protect the village during the temporary absence of its inhabitants.
In a formal clarification issued on September 26, 2026, Chief Lhingjahoi Hangshing strongly condemned the reported killing of the two civilians. He stated that the two persons were in Kailenjang on his request and under his assurance to look after the village. He expressed deep sorrow over their deaths and said that innocent people who had come to help protect a Kuki village should not have been targeted in this manner. The Chief said that the reported shooting has not only taken two innocent lives but has also broken the trust that villages place in each other during times of crisis and displacement.
The village Chief also condemned an attempted arson attack on Kailenjang village allegedly carried out by members of a neighbouring non-Kuki community. He clarified that he and other residents of Kailenjang had vacated the village only because of the ongoing tensions in the region and apprehensions about their safety. He said that in their absence, attempts were being made to burn down the village, which he condemned in the strongest terms. According to him, the targeting of an empty village and the killing of those who were guarding it shows a deliberate attempt to destroy Kuki settlements.
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Meanwhile, the Mao Students’ Union (MSU) has officially reacted to the incident with profound grief and absolute outrage. In an INFORMATION note issued on 26-09-26 by Lot Pfotte, MSU General Secretary, from its H.Q. at Mao Secretariat, Tadubi, Senapati District, the Union announced the immediate postponement of the much-revered Mao Students’ Union Martyrs Trophy. The Union said the decision was taken following the brutal, cold-blooded killing of two innocent Naga civilians at Kalenjang, Senapati, earlier today.
The MSU stated that the Martyrs Trophy is fundamentally a symbol of reverence, unity, and remembrance for those who have sacrificed for the community. It said it is morally unconscionable to proceed with a tournament of this nature while the people mourn the senseless loss of innocent lives at the hands of armed terror groups. The Union noted that out of deep respect for the victims and in steadfast solidarity with their bereaved families, all preparations, fixtures, and events related to the tournament are suspended until further notice.
The MSU further reiterated its vehement condemnation of the atrocity and demanded that the relevant authorities take immediate, decisive action against the perpetrators. It said a revised schedule for the Martyrs Trophy will be considered and communicated accordingly. The strong statement from the Mao Students’ Union, which represents the Mao Naga community, has made it clear that the victims are innocent Naga civilians and that their killing by armed groups is an act of terror that must be punished. This also confirms that the victims were Mao Nagas who were only guarding a Kuki village.
The alleged involvement of NSCN-IM cadres has added a new dimension to the incident. The NSCN-IM is under ceasefire agreement with the Government of India and is therefore able to move in certain areas. Kuki civil society organisations have long alleged that this ceasefire is being misused to target Kuki civilians in the hill areas of Manipur. They have pointed out that for many years, Kuki villages in Kangpokpi, Senapati and Ukhrul borders have faced threats, intimidation and violence without any arrests or action against the perpetrators. The latest reported killing of two Mao civilians mistaken for Kuki has reinforced those concerns.
The circumstances surrounding the shooting, particularly the reported mistaken identity angle, warrant a thorough and impartial investigation by the authorities. It is essential to establish how armed cadres reportedly entered the area, who ordered or carried out the shooting, and why two innocent civilians guarding a village were targeted. The families of the deceased Mao civilians deserve justice, and the people of Kailenjang village deserve assurance that their village will be protected. A transparent investigation is the only way to prevent rumours and to fix accountability for the reported crime.
Authorities are urged to immediately secure Kailenjang village and other vulnerable Kuki villages in the Kangpokpi district. Central forces deployed as buffer should be strengthened in the area to prevent further arson attempts and killings. The Government of Manipur and the Government of India must ensure that the ceasefire ground rules are strictly enforced and that no armed group is allowed to target civilians, whether Kuki, Mao or any other community. The safety of civilians must be the top priority, and the rule of law must prevail in the hill areas.
The reported killing of the two Mao civilians in Kailenjang is not an isolated incident but a reflection of the larger insecurity faced by Kuki people in Manipur. When Kuki villagers cannot stay in their own villages and when those who are asked to protect their villages are reportedly shot dead after being mistaken for Kuki, it shows that the conflict has reached a stage where Kuki existence itself is under threat. The Government of India must act as a neutral custodian, ensure justice for the victims, provide compensation to the families of the two Mao Nagas, and guarantee the safe return of Kailenjang villagers to their homes. Only accountability and protection of Kuki villages can restore peace in the region.
