CoTU Observes Candlelight Vigil Over UKNA Killings; Condemnation Pours In

The Kuki-Zo people, along with all Civil Society Organisations of Sadar Hills under the aegis of the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), held a solemn yet powerful candlelight vigil on Tuesday evening to mourn and condemn the killing of four members of the United Kuki National Army (UKNA) by Indian Security Forces at Khanpi Village, Churachandpur District, on November 4.

The poignant event, held at Brig. M. Thomas Ground, Kangpokpi District Headquarters, drew a large crowd from all walks of life who stood united in grief and protest. The vigil was marked by the lighting of candles and a minute of silence, led by Haokholen Kipgen, President of SAHILCA, in honour of the four slain UKNA cadres.

Speaking on the sidelines, CoTU Joint Secretary, Lamminlun Singsit, expressed deep sorrow and outrage over what he described as an “unprovoked and avoidable act” by the Indian Security Forces. “All Civil Society Organisations under CoTU deeply mourn the tragic demise of the four UKNA members who were brutally assassinated on November 4 at Khanpi Village,” he stated.

He further asserted that no Kuki-Zo insurgent group stands in hostility against the Indian Security Forces, making the operation “unjustified, unacceptable, and deeply alarming.” Singsit lamented that the incident occurred at a time when the Kuki-Zo community has been consistently advocating peace and restraint following the ongoing ethnic crisis. He said such selective and aggressive actions by paramilitary forces have aggravated tension, wounded public sentiment, and gravely shaken the sense of security among the Kuki-Zo people.

Highlighting the community’s stand, he reaffirmed that the Kuki-Zo people are peace-loving and have only been demanding a separate administration in the form of a Union Territory with Legislature, as they have already been separated in every aspect from the majority Meitei community.

He also questioned the government’s silence and inaction towards the Arambai Tenggol, which looted thousands of weapons from the state armoury and continues to roam freely in Imphal, committing atrocities against the Kuki-Zo community in broad daylight. “It is deeply disheartening that Kuki-Zo defenders, who bore no ill intention toward the Indian Army, were mercilessly killed, while the real perpetrators roam free,” he added.

The vigil concluded with CoTU and all affiliated Civil Society Organisations extending their deepest condolences to the bereaved families and saluting the four fallen martyrs for their sacrifice in defending their land and people.

The gathering reaffirmed the community’s unwavering stand that justice and peace must prevail.

Meanwhile, several key Kuki-Zo civil society organisations from Tengnoupal and Moreh have jointly condemned the killing of four members of the United Kuki National Army (UKNA) by paramilitary forces at Khanpi Village, Henglep Sub-Division, Churachandpur District, on November 4, 2025.

The Kuki Chiefs’ Association (Tengnoupal District and Moreh Block), Hill Tribal Council (Moreh), Kuki Students’ Organisation (Moreh Block), Kuki Women Union & Human Rights (Moreh Block), and the Moreh Youth Club came together to express their collective outrage and sorrow over what they termed as an “avoidable tragedy.”

The statement vehemently condemned the killing, asserting that the incident could have been averted through peaceful dialogue, as no insurgent group of the Kuki-Zo community is in hostility with the central security forces.

The organisations expressed serious concern over the selective nature of security operations, which they said have failed to address the ongoing armed aggression against the Kuki-Zo community while unfairly targeting its members.

In a strong appeal, the signatories urged all security agencies, insurgent groups, and volunteers to refrain from further violence and instead seek peaceful and constructive means to resolve ongoing issues.

Expressing solidarity with the victims, the joint statement conveyed deep condolences to the bereaved families and honoured the four fallen UKNA cadres as martyrs who stood in defence of their land and people.

The statement concluded with a fervent plea:
“Let bloodshed stop immediately.”

The unified stance of these organisations reflects a growing demand for accountability, peace, and justice in the wake of escalating tensions across Manipur’s hill districts.

The Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF) has also expressed deep shock and outrage over the brutal killing of four members of the United Kuki National Army (UKNA) by security forces in Khanpi, Henglep, terming it a “cold-blooded execution.”

According to the ITLF, the four men were shot dead while asleep, an act it described as “inhumane, unjustified, and a gross violation of human rights.” The forum slammed the selective operations of security forces, alleging “blatant double standards” as Valley-Based Insurgent Groups (VBIGs) continue to act with impunity.

“The barbaric killing of our own people — executed without confrontation or due process — is an appalling abuse of power and a direct assault on the rule of law,” ITLF stated.

Reiterating that UKNA is not a terrorist organisation, the forum maintained that it has never acted against the Indian nation but has been part of the struggle for self-governance within the framework of India.

The ITLF urged the authorities to ensure accountability and called for a transparent investigation into the incident to restore the community’s faith in justice and equality