Ukhrul,
The Kuki CSO Working Committee (WCKCSOs–Ukhrul) has strongly condemned the recent declaration issued by the Thawai Tangkhul village authorities opposing the entry of security forces into their area for operations.
In an official statement released on April 4, the committee described the village’s stance as contradictory to what it called “serious and longstanding allegations” involving the community. The statement referred to past incidents, including violence during the 1992–1993
Kuki–Tangkhul conflict and a more recent case in August 2023, asserting that such issues cannot be ignored or denied.
The committee further alleged the presence of armed Tangkhul militants operating under the guise of “village volunteers.” According to the statement, these groups have reportedly established fortified bunkers across areas stretching from the Thoubal River bank to the Zalenbung terrace fields, extending toward Mongneljang and Mahadev.
“These bunkers have become centers of repeated and indiscriminate firing,” the statement claimed, adding that nearby villages such as Shangkai have been frequently targeted. It also alleged that the bunkers are equipped with sophisticated weapons, posing a serious threat to civilian safety and restricting the movement of residents in surrounding areas.
Calling for restraint, the committee urged Thawai Tangkhul authorities to stop spreading what it termed “unsubstantiated propaganda,” particularly allegations regarding the presence of illegal immigrants, unless supported by credible evidence.
The statement also criticized the village’s opposition to security operations, describing it as “untenable” and questioning the invocation of the Manipur (Village Authorities in Hill Areas) Act, 1956 in this context.
Meanwhile, the committee welcomed recent combing operations conducted by the 04 Mahar Regiment, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), and state police on March 26, 2026. These operations reportedly led to the dismantling of several illegal bunkers and brought “a sense of relief and security” to affected villagers.
It further noted that attempts by militants to infiltrate and carry out attacks were thwarted due to timely intervention by security forces on April 3.
The Kuki CSO Working Committee urged security forces to continue their operations to dismantle illegal bunkers and disarm hostile elements, particularly along the Mahadev–Mongneljang stretch, in order to restore lasting peace and stability in the region.
