Violence in Manipur’s Tamenglong and Noney districts has left at least four civilians from the Kuki-Zo community dead and a minor boy critically injured, prompting community bodies to demand Central security deployment, an NIA probe, and issue a 24-hour ultimatum threatening an indefinite shutdown.
Attack Details and L. Tollen Village Authority Response
According to the L. Tollen Village Authority, armed assailants opened fire on a family around 4 am. Lhingzai Singsit, a mother of five, was killed at the scene. Her husband, Seineh Singsit, died later in hospital from his bullet wounds. Their youngest son, Henminsang, sustained serious injuries.
The village body alleged NSCN-IM and ZUFK carried out the attack, calling it a “premeditated and heinous” assault on unarmed civilians. The incident has reopened painful memories of the 1993 ethnic violence involving the Kuki community. The Tollen Village Authority alleged the attack represented a deliberate attempt to terrorise and displace Kuki-Zo villagers from their ancestral areas.
“This is not an isolated incident,” the authority said, alleging a systematic attempt at ethnic cleansing in pursuit of a “Greater Nagalim agenda.”
The authority called for immediate deployment of Central security forces in Tollen and neighbouring Kuki villages, registration of an FIR, and a transparent investigation leading to the arrest of those responsible. It also appealed for urgent medical evacuation and specialised treatment for the injured father and son.
Committee on Tribal Unity Condemns Coordinated Attacks
The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), Sadar Hills, condemned what it described as coordinated attacks on Kuki-Zo villages in Tamenglong district. CoTU said the Tollen attack was followed by another incident at Longpi village that evening, in which Thangvel Gangte and Julie Gangte were killed while another woman remained missing.
The tribal body urged authorities to immediately secure the area. CoTU alleged involvement of armed groups including NSCN-IM and ZUF-K and expressed concern over groups operating under ceasefire arrangements with the Government of India.
“Targeting civilians, including women and children, in their homes risks further escalation and derailment of the peace process,” CoTU said.
CoTU demanded immediate deployment of Central forces in Tollen, Longpi, and other vulnerable Kuki-Zo villages, along with medical and humanitarian assistance. It also called for a time-bound and impartial inquiry into the alleged attacks and accountability for those responsible. The body reiterated its demand for Separate Administration for the Kuki-Zo people, describing it as the only viable safeguard for the community’s security, protection, and political future.
Kuki Inpi Jiri Issues Ultimatum
The Kuki Inpi Jiri, Tamenglong and Noney (JTN) also condemned the twin attacks and raised questions over security arrangements. The organisation noted that the firing at Tollen occurred only a few hundred metres from a deployment of Central security forces.
While stating it did not question the capability of the security forces, JTN demanded accountability over how the attack could occur so close to a security deployment. The body called for the case to be transferred to the NIA for an impartial investigation and sought permanent security personnel at Tollen.
JTN issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the government to initiate concrete action, announcing a 24-hour economic blockade and warning of an indefinite total shutdown if its demands were not met. The organisation also said it would not accept the mortal remains of the deceased for funeral rites until justice was delivered.
The violence has intensified apprehension among Kuki-Zo villagers in vulnerable areas of Tamenglong and Noney, with community organisations warning that failure to ensure civilian security could further escalate tensions.