The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) strongly condemned an alleged armed attack on Kholen Kuki-Zo village in Kangpokpi district, demanding the immediate withdrawal of NSCN-IM and ZUF-Kamson from the Chawangkining area and urgent measures to prevent further civilian casualties.
The Sadar Hills-based tribal body alleged that armed elements from Chawangkining opened continuous fire towards Kholen village at around 10.30 pm on September 15.
CoTU alleged that the firing was carried out by cadres of NSCN-IM and ZUF-Kamson, forcing village volunteers to respond in what it described as an act of self-defence.
The organisation said the incident had triggered serious apprehension among residents, particularly amid fears of a repeat of recent attacks in Leisangphai and Tollen in neighbouring Tamenglong district.
"Kuki-Zo communities do not initiate confrontation; our village volunteers act only in defence of our people and settlements," CoTU said.
It urged the authorities to immediately secure the Chawangkining area and withdraw the two groups from the location, warning that failure to act could expose civilians to further violence.
The latest incident comes amid heightened tensions in parts of Manipur following a series of attacks and killings involving Kuki-Zo civilians, with civil society organisations repeatedly demanding stronger security measures and accountability.
CoTU said immediate intervention was necessary to prevent the situation from escalating and to protect civilian lives in vulnerable settlements.
The Kangpokpi Area Defence Committee (KADC) has also strongly condemned the reported attack on Kholen, a Kuki village in Kangpokpi district, allegedly carried out by armed cadres of the NSCN-IM, and demanded immediate action against those responsible.
According to the KADC, the attack took place at around 10.30 pm on Tuesday, with Kholen located adjacent to Chawangkining, a Naga village.
The committee described the incident as a “serious threat” to innocent civilians and warned that continued attacks on civilian settlements could further endanger lives and escalate tensions in the area.
The KADC said its policy since its formation in 2023 had remained unchanged -- not to attack anyone, but to protect and defend innocent people and their properties from armed assailants.
“Despite repeated violence, the KADC has exercised restraint and has not retaliated against Naga civilians or villages,” the committee said in a press communiqué.
It alleged that dozens of incidents of violence and bloodshed had affected innocent Kuki civilians since the beginning of this year and attributed the incidents to the NSCN-IM.
The committee asserted that people living in Kuki areas had the right to live without fear and protect their lives, homes and properties.
“The KADC will continue to stand for the safety and protection of innocent civilians,” it said.
The committee demanded that authorities immediately investigate the Kholen attack, identify those responsible and take necessary action to prevent further attacks on civilian villages.
It also appealed to all responsible individuals and organisations to exercise restraint and ensure that the latest incident does not trigger further violence or loss of innocent lives.
The Hills Journal
K. Salbung, Churachandpur
Manipur-795128
