Kuki Bodies Condemn Deadly Kultuh Village Attack, Demand Immediate Action

Kuki civil society organizations have strongly condemned the deadly attack on Kultuh village in Kamjong district early Thursday morning, alleging that armed militants from Tangkhul insurgent groups and Myanmar-based forces were responsible for the violence that claimed two lives and left several homes destroyed.

In separate statements, the Eastern Kuki Chiefs' Association (EKCA) and Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) described the incident as a brutal assault on innocent civilians and called for urgent intervention by the Government of India and security agencies.

According to EKCA, the attack occurred at around 4:00 a.m. when armed assailants identified as members of NSCN (Eastern Flank) and the Shanni National Army (SNA) allegedly stormed Kultuh village and set fire to seven houses, including the village church. The association said the attack caused extensive destruction to private property and a sacred place of worship, leaving the community in shock and grief.

The attack resulted in the deaths of two respected church leaders — Letminlun Haokip, Head Deacon of Kultuh Church, and Lunminthang Haokip, Youth Chairman of Kultuh Church. Two other civilians were reportedly injured and are currently undergoing medical treatment.

Condemning the incident as a grave violation of human rights, EKCA stated that the deliberate targeting of civilians and the destruction of a church were unacceptable acts that must be condemned by all peace-loving citizens. The association extended condolences to the bereaved families and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.

It further urged authorities to conduct an immediate investigation, bring the perpetrators to justice, and strengthen security measures in vulnerable villages across the region.

Meanwhile, the Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) issued an even stronger condemnation, describing the incident as a "pre-dawn massacre and arson attack" allegedly carried out by a combined force of NSCN-IM, NSCN (Eastern Flank), and cadres of the Myanmar-based Shanni Nationalities Army (SNA).

KIM alleged that the attackers entered Indian territory from across the Indo-Myanmar border and carried out a coordinated assault that left a trail of destruction. The organization identified the deceased as Letminlun Haokip (34), General Secretary of Kuki Baptist Church Circle No. 17 and Head Deacon of Kultuh Local Church, and Lunminthang Haokip (36), Youth Department General Secretary of KBC Circle No. 17 and Youth Chairman of Kultuh Local Church.

The organization further alleged that both victims were brutally killed and their bodies desecrated before being burned.

Citing eyewitness accounts, KIM claimed that the attackers retreated into Myanmar after the assault and alleged that some local individuals may have assisted them by providing guidance and logistical support. The organization called for an impartial investigation into these claims to establish the full facts surrounding the attack.

Describing the incident as "external aggression" rather than an internal conflict, KIM argued that the attack posed a threat to India's sovereignty and border security. It criticized what it termed the Centre's continued failure to effectively secure the Indo-Myanmar border and protect vulnerable communities.

The organization demanded an independent judicial inquiry into the killings, immediate arrest of those responsible, dismantling of militant camps operating along the border, enhanced security deployment in vulnerable Kuki villages in Kamjong district, and compensation and rehabilitation for affected families.

KIM also appealed to democratic institutions, human rights organizations, churches, civil society groups, and the media to support the victims and press for swift and transparent justice.

Warning against continued inaction, the organization stated that prolonged failure by authorities to address the security concerns of border communities could have serious consequences, urging both the Centre and the State Government to take immediate and decisive measures to prevent further violence.

The attack on Kultuh village has further heightened tensions in the already sensitive border region, with community organizations demanding accountability and stronger security measures to safeguard civilians.