Civilians Injured in Daylight Attacks in Ukhrul–Kangpokpi Fringe; Alleged Security Inaction Triggers Explosive Demands

A fresh wave of violence along the volatile Ukhrul–Kangpokpi fringe has sparked widespread outrage after two separate firing incidents targeting civilians were reported within hours on Saturday, intensifying fears of a deepening security breakdown in the region and drawing sharp condemnation from civil society organisations over the deteriorating security situation.

According to statements issued by the Ihang-Bungpi Working Committee and the Kuki CSO Working Committee (Ukhrul), suspected Tangkhul militants allegedly opened fire in two incidents—first in the early hours at Shangkai village, and later along the Leplen–Tingpibung road—leaving civilians injured and triggering panic among residents.

The Ihang-Bungpi Working Committee stated that in an alarming incident around 9:30 a.m., an auto-rickshaw travelling between Tingpibung and Leplen villages came under automatic gunfire from the direction of Sanakeithel. The vehicle was hit while in motion, leading to a crash that injured two individuals, including a woman who sustained a gunshot wound to her waist. Both are reported to be in critical condition, the statements added.

The Committee termed the attack a “calculated and reprehensible act” deliberately targeting unarmed civilians travelling along the route.

It also raised alarm over the presence of personnel from the 4th Mahar Regiment stationed at Sinakeithel at the time of the incident, alleging a complete failure to intervene or neutralize the threat. It described the inaction as a serious dereliction of duty, raising urgent questions about operational accountability and the commitment of state forces to protect vulnerable civilian populations.

The Committee placed the following demands on the competent authorities:

1). Immediate, time-bound, and decisive countermeasures against Tangkhul militant elements operating from and around the Sinakeithel axis.

2). A formal inquiry and accountability proceedings against the 4th Mahar Regiment for operational inaction during an active civilian attack.

3). Immediate dismantling of all unauthorized and illegal militant bunkers and fortified positions endangering civilian road corridors.

4). Guaranteed, enforceable, and uninterrupted safe passage for all civilians along the Leplen–Tingpibung route.

The Committee further issued a stern warning, stating that failure to initiate visible and substantive action within 48 hours would be construed as a willful abdication of state responsibility. Under such circumstances, it cautioned that it would be compelled to consider all necessary measures to ensure the protection and security of Kuki civilians.

It added that the matter demands urgent and uncompromising attention, warning that continued inaction would only embolden armed actors and further endanger innocent lives.

Meanwhile, the Kuki CSO Working Committee, Ukhrul strongly condemned what it described as “heinous and unprovoked acts of violence” that occurred in the early hours of March 21, 2026.

At approximately 5:15 a.m., suspected Tangkhul militants or so-called volunteers reportedly opened automatic fire towards Shangkai village, discharging around 3–4 rounds and creating panic and fear among innocent villagers.

In another incident around 9:30 a.m., an auto-rickshaw travelling between Tingpibung and Leplen villages was fired upon with automatic weapons from Sanakeithel village. The moving vehicle was struck, leading to a crash that injured two individuals, including a woman who sustained a gunshot wound to her waist. Their conditions are reported to be critical, with further updates awaited from medical authorities.

The Committee stated that such inhuman and barbaric acts come at a time when the community is already under immense tension and grief following the tragic loss of two individuals, namely Thenkhing Baite and Thangboimang Lunkim.

Despite the prevailing situation, the Committee noted that it has extended full cooperation to the government authorities and, on humanitarian grounds, is making every effort to ensure that the deceased are laid to rest with dignity and honor.

Furthermore, it pointed out that despite the atrocities inflicted, the shutdown was lifted at the earliest on March 20, 2026, and that the process of receiving the bodies of the two individuals had begun after grievances were addressed by the government.

However, it warned that continued acts of provocation and escalation by anti-peace elements are unacceptable and intolerable, asserting that such groups must be identified and dealt with strictly under the law at the earliest.

As the community prepares for the rightful funeral of the deceased with heavy hearts, the Committee appealed to all concerned to ensure that no further violence is allowed to instigate or aggravate the already volatile situation.

It also made it clear that it will not take responsibility for any untoward consequences arising out of continued provocation.

The back-to-back incidents have once again exposed the fragile security environment in Manipur’s hill districts, intensifying calls for immediate intervention, accountability, and concrete measures to restore safety and public confidence in the region.