Kuki Inpi Manipur Condemns Security Forces' Actions in Leilon Vaiphei, Alleges Harassment of Villagers

The Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) has strongly condemned what it described as the "unacceptable and deeply disturbing" actions of Central Security Forces in Leilon Vaiphei and adjoining villages, alleging that security personnel subjected residents to intimidation and harassment during a large-scale operation.

In a statement issued by its Media Cell, KIM alleged that security forces entered the village, imposed a military-style lockdown, conducted house-to-house searches, and shouted at villagers, including women, children, students, and elderly residents.

The organisation said the operation came at a particularly sensitive time, as Leilon Vaiphei had allegedly been attacked a day earlier by cadres of NSCN-IM, leaving three Kuki-Zo students critically injured and currently undergoing medical treatment.

According to KIM, the actions of the security forces were insensitive and unjustified, as villagers who had recently suffered from armed violence were treated as suspects rather than victims. The organisation questioned why intensive security operations were being conducted in Kuki-Zo areas that had just experienced an attack, while areas where NSCN-IM and its alleged proxy groups reportedly operate remained untouched.

"The people of Leilon Vaiphei and adjoining villages are not criminals. They are victims of armed aggression," the statement said, adding that military lockdowns, house-to-house searches, intimidation, and verbal abuse immediately after a violent incident were unacceptable under any circumstances.

KIM further alleged that the operation had deepened the trauma of affected residents, created fear among civilians, and eroded trust between local communities and security forces. It maintained that the harassment of women, children, the elderly, and traumatised villagers could not be justified in the name of security.

The organisation called on the Government of India and the concerned authorities to halt what it described as the intimidation and harassment of innocent civilians. It also demanded immediate action against NSCN-IM and its alleged proxy groups responsible for the attack on the village, as well as justice for the three injured Kuki-Zo students and affected residents.

Reiterating its stand, KIM stated that peace could not be achieved through "selective action, intimidation, or double standards" and urged the government to uphold the rule of law impartially while ensuring equal protection for all citizens.

The statement concluded by asserting that the Kuki-Zo people would not accept any action that punishes victims while allowing perpetrators of violence to operate with impunity.