Ukhrul: The Working Committee of Kuki Civil Society Organizations (WCKCSOs), Ukhrul, has strongly condemned the alleged arson attack that destroyed Patleijang, a hamlet of Chepu Yaolen in Ukhrul district, on 20 October 2026. According to the committee, the attack was carried out by cadres of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) operating from Sikibung, Leingangching and TM Kasom. The incident, which began around 1:00 AM, left the entire settlement in ashes and was followed by celebratory firing, raising questions about law and order and safety of Kuki villages in Litan area and the effectiveness of existing security arrangements.
The statement issued by the Department of Information and Media said attackers not only burnt every house in Patleijang but also fired approximately three rounds from automatic weapons to mark the destruction. The committee described it as heinous and a brazen display of impunity. It noted that Patleijang is a small, isolated hamlet that had repeatedly sought permanent security deployment, and that it could be wiped out in a single night without intervention has shocked residents of neighboring Chepu Yaolen and other Kuki settlements who now fear similar attacks.
A major focus is the alleged delay in Border Security Force deployment. WCKCSOs-Ukhrul said despite repeated requests for permanent security for Patleijang and Chepu Yaolen, authorities failed to ensure protection. The BSF deployment scheduled for 19 October was reportedly delayed until 20 October, the day the village was burnt. The committee questioned whether the delay was merely coincidental or whether it provided a convenient window for perpetrators to execute their plan without fear of being challenged by forces nearby.
The committee pointed to heavy security presence in surrounding areas, which makes the incident more troubling and difficult to explain. With BSF stationed at TM Kasom, the Army at Leingangching, and combined BSF, CRPF and Litan Police at Litan Sareikhong, how an entire village could be burnt without any response remains unanswered. WCKCSOs-Ukhrul asked whether NSCN(IM) cadres are considered invincible or whether the security apparatus has been compromised, and whether an unofficial license has been granted to terrorize civilians while governments look away.
The statement also raised concerns over selective and partisan handling by security and investigative agencies in the district. While Kuki civilians face repeated attacks, agencies such as CRPF’s CoBRA unit and the National Investigation Agency appear disproportionately focused on Kuki areas and civilians, it alleged. This imbalance has created fear and discrimination among villagers living under constant threat, as they feel pleas for protection are being ignored while they themselves are placed under intense scrutiny by authorities meant to protect them.
In particular, the committee contrasted NIA’s alleged lack of urgency in investigating the killing of two Kuki water-pipe repairers by NSCN(IM) with its active pursuit of a case relating to the 18 April 2026 incident. This difference in approach raises serious questions about investigative priorities and impartiality of central agencies. The summoning of outspoken village chiefs, social workers and student leaders by agencies has further deepened fears of selective scrutiny and intimidation of those who speak up for the community and demand justice.
The committee asked whether being a victim itself has become a crime in the current situation. It stated that Kuki people are left to fend for their survival while those demanding protection face scrutiny instead of support and security. This glaring disparity fuels perception of partisan governance and selective justice, where the affected community is treated as the problem rather than the victim in need of urgent assistance, rehabilitation and protection from repeated atrocities and displacement.
The circumstances surrounding Patleijang have intensified suspicions that NSCN(IM) enjoys tacit protection or indulgence from elements within Manipur and Central Governments, WCKCSOs-Ukhrul alleged. If this perception is unfounded, both governments must disprove it through concrete action on the ground rather than mere rhetoric and assurances. Official silence in face of such grave incident only strengthens belief that there is deliberate attempt to ignore plight of Kuki people in Ukhrul and allow such crimes to continue.
In its list of demands, WCKCSOs-Ukhrul sought immediate explanation for delayed BSF deployment, permanent security cover for both Patleijang and Chepu Yaolen, and decisive measures to prevent further attacks on Kuki villages in Litan. It demanded that all perpetrators involved in arson and firing be identified and held accountable under law, and that security and investigative agencies act impartially without targeting Kuki civilians. Accountability and impartial policing are essential to restore confidence among the affected population.
The committee warned that Patleijang has been reduced to ashes and both governments of Manipur and India must act before another Kuki village suffers same fate. Official silence and repeated security failures must not become license for further bloodshed, it said. The Department of Information and Media of WCKCSOs-Ukhrul, which issued release under reference WC/PR93/10/26 dated 20/10/2026 from its office at Zalenbung P.O./P.S Litan, said incident should be treated as wake-up call for authorities to ensure protection of innocent civilians and prevent recurrence.
