Taphou Kuki Village Alleges ‘Sustained Campaign of Violence’, Demands NIA Probe into Killing of Two Civilians

The Taphou Kuki Village Authority has strongly condemned the abduction and subsequent killing of two Kuki civilians, alleging that the gruesome incident was the latest and most alarming escalation in a prolonged pattern of targeted violence, intimidation and atrocities against the village.

The Village Authority said the two civilians were abducted on October 28, 2026, allegedly by Naga militants, before being brutally murdered. It described the killings as a grave escalation that could no longer be dismissed as an isolated incident, demanding an immediate National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe into the case.

The Authority alleged that Taphou Kuki village had endured a sustained series of attacks targeting civilian lives, residential properties and essential infrastructure, despite repeatedly bringing the incidents to the attention of the authorities through registered FIRs and detailed representations.

It said the incidents had been formally reported to the Deputy Commissioner of Kangpokpi and the Superintendent of Police of Senapati, besides being brought directly to the attention of the Chief Minister, Director General of Police Mukesh Singh and Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Lhari Dorjee Lhatoo.

Questioning the apparent failure to prevent recurring attacks despite repeated complaints, the Village Authority said the incidents were not isolated acts of hostility but constituted an alarming pattern that had severely undermined the security, dignity and peaceful existence of the villagers.

Recounting the alleged atrocities, the Authority said 25 villagers were abducted and held captive for nearly a month on May 13, 2026, causing widespread fear and distress in the community.

It further alleged that coordinated arson attacks on August 24 and 26 destroyed residential houses and belongings of innocent families, while armed Naga militants allegedly opened fire on the village on August 24 using sophisticated weapons, putting the lives of men, women and children at serious risk.

The Authority also accused armed miscreants of repeatedly sabotaging the village's water supply infrastructure, alleging that pipelines on the western side, below Rai Basti, were deliberately damaged on October 20, followed by another attack on the eastern side on October 28.

Describing the destruction of essential water infrastructure as an inhumane attack on civilian survival, it said the repeated sabotage had deprived residents of access to a basic necessity and threatened the health and safety of the entire community.

The abduction and subsequent killing of the two civilians on October 28, it said, had now pushed the situation to an intolerable level.

"These are not mere acts of intimidation; they are serious attacks on the lives, homes, security and basic human rights of an entire civilian community," the Authority asserted.

Expressing serious concern over the prevailing security situation, the Village Authority questioned how repeated incidents of abduction, arson, armed attacks and destruction of essential infrastructure could continue without effective preventive measures or lasting accountability.

It also demanded an explanation from the concerned security agencies over their alleged failure to prevent the recurring attacks, calling for a thorough investigation into possible negligence, dereliction of duty or systemic lapses.

Despite the repeated violence, the Authority maintained that the village remained committed to peaceful coexistence with neighbouring communities.

It said the villagers continued to uphold the mutual terms and consensus reached on August 31, 2026, in the presence of the Deputy Commissioners of Kangpokpi and Senapati, the Senapati Superintendent of Police and senior CRPF officials.

However, it cautioned that its commitment to peace and restraint should not be misconstrued as an inability or unwillingness to defend the fundamental rights and security of its residents.

In its charter of demands addressed to the Centre, the Manipur government, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and concerned security agencies, the Authority sought a comprehensive, independent and time-bound investigation into the entire series of alleged attacks against the village.

It specifically demanded that the case involving the abduction and murder of the two civilians be transferred to the NIA, with periodic updates on the investigation provided directly to the bereaved families.

The perpetrators, it said, must be swiftly identified, arrested and prosecuted before a competent court of law.

The Authority also demanded immediate and adequate security deployment to protect villagers, their homes and properties, particularly in view of the village's proximity to conflict-affected areas.

Calling for a special enquiry commission, it sought urgent restoration, protection and fortification of the damaged water supply infrastructure to ensure permanent access to safe drinking water.

It further demanded adequate financial compensation, comprehensive assistance and long-term rehabilitation for families whose houses and properties were destroyed or damaged in the alleged attacks.

Reiterating its commitment to peaceful coexistence, the Village Authority cited the villagers' practice of escorting outsiders travelling on foot through the village, including at night, to ensure their safety.

It also referred to incidents on November 1, when villagers allegedly exercised restraint despite heightened tensions following the killings.

According to the statement, a heavily intoxicated individual from Liangmei Taphou who attempted to pass through the village on foot was sent home unharmed.

Later that night, two other allegedly intoxicated individuals from neighbouring villages, who reportedly challenged volunteers on duty, were briefly detained for their safety and subsequently handed over securely to the Officer-in-Charge of Senapati Police Station.

The Authority said these incidents demonstrated that the villagers continued to choose restraint and peaceful engagement even amid grief, anger and repeated provocation.

It appealed to responsible communities, civil society organisations and concerned citizens to stand for justice, humanity and the protection of innocent civilian lives, while urging all sides to refrain from retaliatory actions that could endanger more innocent people.

Extending condolences to the bereaved families, the Authority said the victims' lives had been cruelly taken and their families deserved justice rather than assurances.

"**We demand justice, not sympathy; accountability, not empty promises; and lasting security, not temporary assurances,**" the statement said.

The Village Authority warned that the repeated attacks against Taphou Kuki village must stop and that the killing of innocent civilians must not go unanswered, urging the government to intervene immediately to prevent further loss of life.