Working Committee of JTCM Portrays Intermittent Naga Clashes as Kuki Attack; Kuki Inpi South West Refutes Allegations

The Working Committee of Joint Tribes Council Manipur (JTCM) has allegedly portrayed the ongoing intermittent clashes among Naga underground groups in Tamenglong and Noney districts as an attack carried out by Kuki militants, according to a clarification issued by Kuki Inpi South West Sadar Hills.

In a statement, JTCM alleged that Kuki militants attacked innocent Naga farmers at Pongringlong (Charoi Pandongba), near Tupul in Noney district, at around 2:20 pm on May 22. The organisation claimed that the attack involved indiscriminate and continuous firing and described it as a direct assault on humanity, peace, and coexistence in Manipur.

JTCM further warned that if such attacks continue — whether through assaults on unarmed Naga civilians, the continued detention of six alleged hostages, or any further provocation — Kuki militants and their leadership would be held fully responsible for any resulting consequences.

The organisation also expressed concern over what it termed the silence of both the state and central governments, warning that failure to intervene could lead to catastrophic consequences. It further stated that the safety of the six Naga civilians allegedly held in captivity rests with the Kuki groups accused by the council.

Meanwhile, Kuki Inpi South West Sadar Hills strongly refuted the allegations, terming them baseless and unsubstantiated. The organisation stated that after conducting a thorough investigation, it found no evidence linking Kuki armed groups to the reported incident.

According to the Inpi, reports circulated on various platforms appeared to be deliberate attempts to distort facts and create communal discord. The organisation condemned the alleged attack on innocent civilians while simultaneously urging all parties to refrain from sharing unverified information that could further escalate tensions.

The Inpi stressed the importance of communal harmony and called for collective efforts towards justice and peace during the ongoing crisis.

Tamenglong and Noney districts have witnessed intermittent clashes between rival Naga underground factions, particularly between the Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) faction led by Jeanchui and the NSCN-IM. In recent months, several gunfights between the two groups have reportedly forced villagers to flee to safer areas.

Women from affected areas had also earlier staged protests along National Highway-37, urging the armed groups to cease violence and restore normalcy in the region.