Kuki-Zo Legislators Condemn Brutal Killings in Tollen, Longpi Twin Attacks; Demand Justice for Slain Villagers, Injured Victims

A day meant for the Kuki-Zo community to remember the wounds of the past was stained with fresh blood on Sunday as four Kuki-Zo civilians, including two women, were brutally killed in separate attacks at L. Tollen village in Tamenglong district and Longpi village in Noney district, prompting four Kuki-Zo legislators to condemn the killings as barbaric, cowardly and a grave assault on innocent life.

The attacks came on ‘Sahnit Ni’ or Black Day, observed by the Kuki-Zo community to commemorate victims of past violence, turning a solemn day of remembrance into a grim reminder of the community’s continuing anguish and insecurity.

At L. Tollen village, Seineh Singsit and his wife Lhingjangai Singsit were killed, while their six-year-old son Hemminsang Singsit sustained critical injuries, according to the statements issued by the legislators.

In a separate attack at Longpi village, Thangvel Gangte and Julie Gangte were killed, while a woman, identified as Nei Esther Gangte, was injured.

The killings triggered strong condemnation from Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen and MLAs Haokholet Kipgen, Kimneo Hangshing and Letzamang Haokip, who demanded immediate action against those responsible and justice for the victims.

Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen condemned the attacks on “innocent and defenseless civilians, including women and children”, saying the violence had caused immense grief to the affected families.

She urged the authorities to immediately identify those responsible and ensure that justice was delivered without delay, while appealing to all communities to maintain calm and restraint.

“The law must be allowed to take its course, and no individual or community should take the matter into their own hands,” she said.

Saitu MLA Haokholet Kipgen described the attacks allegedly carried out by unidentified armed militants as “brutal and senseless”, saying the deliberate targeting of civilians, particularly women and children, was a “heinous, cowardly act of terror”.

“Our people have already endured an unimaginable measure of pain, grief and devastation through repeated kidnappings, killings and the burning down of villages. Enough is enough,” he said.

Saikul MLA Kimneo Hangshing termed the killings “barbaric and cold-blooded”, saying no cause, ideology or grievance could justify the killing of innocent civilians.

“The deliberate targeting of women, children and defenseless civilians is an act of cowardice,” Hangshing said, urging people to remain united against violence and work collectively for peace, security and justice.

Henglep MLA Letzamang Haokip also condemned the attacks, saying the killing of four innocent Kuki civilians, including a woman, was a grave tragedy and a disturbing reminder of the persistent insecurity faced by the people.

He urged security agencies to identify and apprehend the perpetrators and prevent any further loss of innocent lives.

The four legislators extended condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the recovery of those injured, while making a collective appeal for restraint and peace.

The fresh killings have cast an even darker shadow over Sahnit Ni, as the community’s day of mourning was marked by another devastating loss of civilian lives.

For the Kuki-Zo community, the attacks have not only reopened old wounds but also intensified fears that the cycle of killings and violence against civilians remains far from over.