KSO-Ukhrul VP Mercy Khongsai Rebuts Ramreichan Keishing’s Statements on Wung Media

The Kuki Students’ Organisation Ukhrul (KSO-Ukhrul) has issued a strong clarification rebutting statements made by Ramreichan Keishing during a recent interview aired on Wung Media, asserting that several claims were misleading and factually incorrect.

In a video statement issued by KSO-Ukhrul Vice President Mercy Khongsai, she addressed multiple points raised in the 9-minute, 42-second interview, particularly concerning recent tensions and incidents involving the Kuki-Zo and Tangkhul communities.

Mercy rejected allegations that statements made in a Zo-Net interview on May 15, 2026, had created confusion in Manipur and Nagaland. She maintained that the interview was based on “clear and publicly available facts,” including information related to the May 13 ambush that had already been circulated through official statements of the Zelianrong United Front (ZUF).

She further clarified that the Kuki-Zo community has never blamed the entire Tangkhul community for recent incidents. The organisation stated that only “specific actions and individuals” responsible for escalating tensions had been identified, adding that this position had already been made clear earlier by Kuki Inpi Manipur.

Addressing claims regarding the release of detained Kuki-Zo individuals, the KSO-Ukhrul Vice President said only 14 persons were released, while two others — identified as Mangjalen and Boilen — had escaped on their own and later returned home with the assistance of security forces.

The Vice President also disputed interpretations of incidents dating back to December 2020, stating that the events stemmed from a land dispute between the chief of Litan Sareikhong and the headman of Sikibung village, rather than any communal conflict. The organisation claimed that subsequent tensions and alleged abduction attempts were handled through intervention by local authorities and a compromise meeting held at Litan Police Station under the supervision of then-MLA Alfred Arthur Kangam.

She further countered claims that only two Kuki villages exist along NH-202, asserting that there are three Kuki-Zo villages located along the highway — Litan Sareikhong, Mongkot Chepu, and Shangkai. The statement also alleged that a Kuki-Zo man travelling with his family was assaulted by three Tangkhul men from Riha village on March 2, 2026.

On the issue of peace initiatives, she defended the sincerity of the Kuki-Zo community, citing multiple meetings attended by Kuki-Zo representatives with government officials, civil society organisations, and security authorities following the February 2026 violence in Ukhrul district.

According to the video statement issued by Mercy Khongsai, Kuki-Zo organisations consistently participated in peace dialogues despite escalating violence, including incidents of houses being set on fire after failed negotiations.

She also referred to the May 4 NJCF meeting in Kohima, where a proposed ceasefire agreement reportedly failed after the Tangkhul side did not sign the agreement.

Mercy concluded by reiterating that peace cannot be achieved through “threats, false narratives, intimidation, or domination,” but only through “mutual respect, understanding, and a genuine willingness to live together.” 

Mercy reaffirmed the Kuki-Zo community’s commitment to peace based on “truth, fairness, and dignity.