KIM, UNC Jointly Condemn Daylight Arson of K. Songlung Village; Call for Peace, Justice and Immediate Relief

In a rare and significant show of unity, the apex civil bodies of two major communities—Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) and the United Naga Council (UNC)—have unequivocally condemned the brazen daylight burning of households at K. Songlung (Part-II) village in Kangpokpi district, terming the act a grave assault on peace, security, and communal harmony.

The two apex body had a joint meeting today at Kangpokpi District Headqaurters over the Republic Day arson attack on K. Songlung village in Kangpokpi District.

Representatives of United Naga Council (UNC) was led by its President Ng. Lorho and Kuki Inpi Manipur representatives was led by its President Ch. Ajang Khongsai.

After a day-long deliberation over the issue, the two organisations in a joint press statement denounced the arson carried out on January 26, 2026, allegedly by the Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF)–Kamson group, which resulted in destruction of property, displacement of villagers, and widespread panic among innocent civilians.
The statement underscores that the incident, executed in broad daylight, is not merely a criminal act but a serious failure of law and order, raising troubling questions about the safety of vulnerable villages amid the prolonged unrest in Manipur.

Calling for restraint, KIM and UNC jointly appealed to the general public and all stakeholders to maintain peace and to refrain from any form of retaliatory violence, stressing that escalation would only deepen suffering and mistrust between communities.

The two apex bodies also issued a strong caution against the spread of rumours, misinformation, and false propaganda, warning that irresponsible narratives on social media and other platforms could fuel animosity and further destabilise an already fragile situation.

Expressing solidarity with the affected families, the joint meeting conveyed deep concern for the victims and underscored to initiate immediate relief and justice for the affected families.

The statement, signed by Ch. Ajang Khongsai, President of Kuki Inpi Manipur, and Ng. Lorho, President of the United Naga Council, sends a powerful message that violence against civilians cannot and will not be justified, and that peace must prevail over provocation.

As Manipur continues to reel under prolonged unrest, the joint stand taken by KIM and UNC is being viewed as a crucial step toward de-escalation, reinforcing the urgent need for accountability, responsible governance, and genuine peace-building efforts in the region.

However, the 24-hour Total Shutdown called by the Committee on Tribal Unity will go ahead this midnight till midnight of January 28.