Tollen Bloodbath, Longpi Killings Trigger Fury; Kuki-Zo Bodies Give Govt 24 Hours, Threaten Indefinite Shutdown

Fresh violence in Manipur’s Tamenglong and Noney districts, in which at least four civilians from the Kuki-Zo community were killed and a minor boy was critically injured in a separate attack, has triggered widespread condemnation, with community bodies demanding immediate security action, a probe by the National Investigation Agency and warning of an indefinite shutdown.

According to the L. Tollen Village Authority, the attack took place at around 4 am when armed assailants allegedly opened fire on the family.

Lhingzangai Singsit, a mother of five, was killed, while her husband, Seineh Singsit, succumbed to his bullet injuries later in a hospital, and their youngest son, Henminsang, sustained serious bullet injuries, the village authority said.

The village body alleged that the attack was carried out by NSCN-IM and ZUF(K), describing it as a “premeditated and heinous” assault on unarmed civilians.

The attack has also reopened painful memories of the 1993 ethnic violence involving the Kuki community, with the Tollen Village Authority alleging that the latest incident represented a deliberate attempt to terrorise and displace Kuki-Zo villagers from their ancestral areas.

“This is not an isolated incident,” the authority said, alleging a systematic attempt at ethnic cleansing in pursuit of a “Greater Nagalim agenda”.

The authority demanded immediate deployment of Central security forces in Tollen and neighbouring Kuki villages, registration of an FIR and a transparent investigation leading to the arrest of those responsible.

It also appealed for urgent medical evacuation and specialised treatment for the injured father and son.

The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), Sadar Hills, condemned what it described as coordinated attacks on Kuki-Zo villages in Tamenglong district.

CoTU said the Tollen attack was followed by another attack at Longpi village in the evening, in which Thangvel Gangte and Julie Gangte were killed, while another woman was missing.

The Sadar Hills-based tribal body urged authorities to immediately secure the area.

CoTU alleged that the attacks involved armed groups including NSCN-IM and ZUF-K and expressed concern over the alleged involvement of groups operating under ceasefire arrangements with the Government of India.

It said attacks on civilians would undermine ceasefire ground rules and threaten the ongoing peace process.

“Targeting civilians, including women and children, in their homes risks further escalation and derailment of the peace process,” CoTU said.

The organisation demanded immediate deployment of Central forces in Tollen, Longpi and other vulnerable Kuki-Zo villages, along with medical and humanitarian assistance.

It also sought a time-bound and impartial inquiry into the alleged attacks and accountability for those responsible.

CoTU also reiterated its demand for Separate Administration for the Kuki-Zo people, describing it as the only viable safeguard for the community’s security, protection and political future.

Meanwhile, the Kuki Inpi Jiri, Tamenglong and Noney (JTN) also condemned the twin attacks and raised questions over security arrangements, claiming that the firing took place only a few hundred metres from a deployment of Central security forces.

While stating that it did not question the capability of the security forces, the organisation demanded accountability over how such an attack could occur so close to a security deployment.

Kuki Inpi JTN demanded that the case be transferred to the NIA for an impartial investigation and sought permanent deployment of security personnel at Tollen.

It also issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the government to initiate concrete action, announcing a 24-hour economic blockade and warning of an indefinite total shutdown if its demands were not met.

The organisation also said it would not accept the mortal remains of the deceased for funeral rites until justice was delivered.

The fresh violence has intensified apprehension among Kuki-Zo villagers in vulnerable areas of Tamenglong and Noney, with community organisations warning that failure to ensure civilian security could further escalate tensions.