Mongkot Chepu Village Authority Condemns Repeated Militant Attacks, Seeks Urgent Security Intervention

The Village Authority of Mongkot Chepu has issued a strongly worded condemnation following a series of alleged militant attacks targeting innocent civilians, describing the incidents as deliberate, alarming, and a grave threat to human life.

In an official statement released on Monday, the authority expressed “deepest shock and condemnation” over what it termed repeated and unprovoked assaults by Tangkhul militants, accusing them of showing complete disregard for civilian safety.

According to the statement, the first incident occurred on March 19, when suspected militants opened fire using automatic weapons on Mongkot Chepu village. Several residential houses near the banks of the Thoubal River were hit by gunfire, triggering widespread panic and distress among villagers.

The situation escalated further on March 23, when militants again reportedly opened fire on villagers engaged in routine agricultural activities approximately 500–600 metres from the settlement. Around 20 villagers were left stranded in the fields during the attack, while two individuals sustained injuries.

The injured have been identified as Lhingneinem Lhangum (19), daughter of Jangkam Lhangum, who suffered a gunshot wound to her right calf, and Seigoulun Khongsai (18), son of Satkhokam Khongsai, who sustained blast injuries to his right upper chest and neck.

The statement also highlighted the alarming incident of stray bullets striking a local school building within the village premises. While no casualties were reported as the incident occurred after school hours, the authority noted that the outcome could have been catastrophic had students been present.

Raising long-standing concerns, the Village Authority pointed to the existence of alleged militant bunkers situated along the Thoubal River on Sikuibung village land. It warned that the proximity of these bunkers to Mongkot Chepu and a nearby National Highway places both areas within firing range, even from single-barrel weapons.

Despite repeated appeals and complaints lodged by Kuki Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and the Village Authority, no effective action has been undertaken by the authorities to neutralise these threats, the statement said.

The situation remained tense as fresh gunfire was reportedly heard from the same bunker locations at approximately 8:45 PM on Monday, further heightening fear among residents.

Calling for immediate intervention, the Village Authority urged security forces to take “decisive and urgent measures” to dismantle all identified militant bunkers and ensure the safety of civilians.

It further cautioned that continued inaction could compel the community to take necessary steps to defend itself.

The authority appealed to the government and concerned agencies to act swiftly to prevent further escalation and loss of innocent lives.