Kuki Villages in Ukhrul District Under Attack: Who Is Imposing War on Whom?

Ukhrul district and its surrounding areas have plunged deeper into crisis following a series of coordinated attacks on Kuki villages, intensifying an already volatile situation marked by distrust, allegations and competing claims from community groups.

A statement issued by the Kuki CSO Working Committee in Ukhrul alleges a “disturbing pattern” in the conduct of Tangkhul Civil Society Organizations (CSOs). According to the release, initial silence from these groups was followed by what it describes as “calculated accusations” targeting Kuki Suspension of Operations (SoO) cadres—claims the committee says divert attention from violence allegedly carried out by NSCN(EF) militants against Kuki civilians.

The statement further claims that acts of self-defense by Kuki villagers have been portrayed as aggression in sections of the media, amplifying tensions and, in their view, enabling further violence.

The situation escalated dramatically on April 24, with multiple attacks reported across Kuki-inhabited villages:

• Mulam village came under attack around 5:30 a.m., where homes were allegedly set ablaze and at least six civilians—including women—were injured in heavy gunfire.
• Violence spread toward Shongphel and along the MTP route, with attempts reported to push into Mongkot Chepu and nearby settlements.
• By 10:00 a.m., Mongkot Chepu was targeted from Lilen Ridge, with high-velocity gunfire reportedly aimed at civilians, including two individuals traveling on a scooter.

The Kuki CSO Working Committee has described these incidents as “coordinated and premeditated,” rather than isolated incident.

The attack come a day after statements issued on April 23 by the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) and the Naga Village Guard, which called for the removal of Kuki SoO cadres and urged Naga units across regions to remain on alert.

The Kuki body argues that these calls, followed by immediate violence, raise “serious questions about intent and accountability.”

It also alleges contradictions in the role of Tangkhul CSOs—accusing them of obstructing central security forces on the ground while simultaneously criticizing those forces publicly.

Amid escalating violence, the Kuki CSO Working Committee has urged government agencies to intervene “immediately, decisively, and impartially,” stressing that civilian lives are at imminent risk.

“The question must be asked: who is imposing war on whom?” the statement concludes, warning that failure to act could lead to “irreversible loss.”