Thawai Kuki Village Authority Rejects Tangkhul Bodies' Allegations, Seeks Independent Probe into Litan-Phungyar Violence

The Thawai Kuki Village Authority has strongly rejected allegations levelled against it by the Sikibung (Sharkaphung) Village Authority and Khanuithot Khon, describing the accusations as "fabricated, selective and one-sided" and calling for an independent, impartial and transparent investigation into all incidents of violence in the Litan-Phungyar region.

The Village Authority refuted allegations contained in a press communiqué issued by the Sikibung Village Authority and a subsequent statement by Khanuithot Khon on July 18, which had accused armed Kuki militants of illegally entering Sikibung Village for fishing and attempting to murder a resident.

Rejecting the allegations in their entirety, the Authority asserted that the accusations were unsupported by any judicial finding or independent investigation and were allegedly aimed at tarnishing the image of Thawai Kuki Village and the wider Kuki community.

The Authority further claimed that the alleged incident was more likely linked to internal rivalries between cadres reportedly affiliated with the NSCN (Muivah) and the NSCN (Eastern Flank), rather than involving Thawai Kuki villagers, and said such competing claims required a credible and impartial investigation.

It also alleged that Sikibung (Sharkaphung) and Thawai Tangkhul (Thoyee), which Kuki customary authorities regard as settlements established on the traditional land of Thawai Kuki Village, have repeatedly been identified in representations submitted by Kuki civil society organisations as alleged operational bases of the NSCN (Muivah), the NSCN (Eastern Flank) led by Hangshi Ramsan, and other armed groups allegedly maintaining operational links with Meitei militant organisations.

Against this backdrop, the Authority claimed the recent statements appeared intended to malign Kuki villages, divert attention from earlier incidents of violence, and promote what it termed a "false narrative," insisting that only an independent and transparent inquiry could establish the truth.

Recalling past incidents, the Village Authority alleged that three Kuki villagers — Thangkhokai Haokip (35), Hollenson Baite (23), and Jamkhogin Haokip (27) — were killed during an armed attack on Thawai Kuki Village on August 18, 2023. It further claimed Kuki organisations had alleged that the attack was carried out by Meitei insurgents in collaboration with the Tangkhul-led MNRF (Aleng), while expressing regret that neither the Sikibung Village Authority nor Khanuithot Khon publicly condemned the killings or expressed sympathy to the bereaved families.

The statement also referred to the February 8, 2026 violence at Litan Sareikhong, alleging that a group from Sikibung Village attempted to torch Kuki houses, opened fire near Litan Police Station and later set several Kuki homes ablaze.

It further alleged that cadres affiliated with the NSCN (Muivah) and the NSCN (Eastern Flank) attacked Kuki farmers near Thawai Kuki Village on March 11, 2026, resulting in the abduction and subsequent killing of Thangboimang Lunkim and Thenkhogin Baite, while several others sustained injuries.

The Authority additionally claimed that gunfire was fired from the direction of Sikibung Village towards Mongkot Chepu Government High School on February 17, 2026, heightening fear among neighbouring Kuki villages.

Expressing concern over what it described as selective outrage, the Village Authority alleged that the Sikibung Village Authority and Khanuithot Khon had focused solely on accusations against Kuki individuals while remaining silent on reported killings, abductions, arson, displacement and other violence allegedly suffered by Kuki civilians.

The Authority also objected to the repeated use of the term "Kuki narco-terrorists", stating that such descriptions collectively stigmatise an entire ethnic community. It asserted that criminal liability is individual in nature and must be determined only through credible investigation, due process and judicial determination.

Reaffirming its commitment to peace, coexistence, customary dialogue and the rule of law, the Thawai Kuki Village Authority urged the Government of India, the Manipur government and competent investigative agencies to conduct a comprehensive, impartial and transparent investigation into all incidents affecting both Kuki and Tangkhul civilians and ensure accountability in accordance with law.

It also appealed to all village authorities, civil society organisations and community leaders to refrain from issuing inflammatory or unverified statements that could aggravate ethnic tensions, stating that lasting peace can only be achieved through truth, justice, accountability, mutual respect and constructive dialogue.