The Sadar Hills Chiefs’ Association (SAHILCA), Kangpokpi District launched a blistering rebuttal against the Naga Peoples’ Union (NPU), Imphal, dismissing allegations against Leilon Vaiphei Village Chief Lalboi Vaiphei as “baseless, false and politically motivated,” while simultaneously demanding a sweeping investigation into the killing of three church leaders and the continued captivity of 14 Kuki hostages.
The chief body accused vested interests of attempting to malign the image of the Leilon Vaiphei chief and the villagers without “any credible evidence,” warning that such narratives risk further inflaming the already volatile communal situation in Manipur.
The association categorically denied any involvement of Lalboi Vaiphei in the alleged abduction case cited by NPU-Imphal, asserting that the accusations were a “deliberate attempt to shift blame and create communal misunderstanding during this sensitive time in Manipur.”
Calling for a “fair, impartial and transparent investigation,” SAHILCA said innocent individuals and entire villages were being targeted through propaganda and unverified allegations while the real perpetrators remain unidentified.
In a counter-allegation, the chiefs’ body demanded an immediate probe into the alleged role of D. Adam Liangmei, Chairman of Konsakhul Village, claiming that individuals from his village had allegedly provided shelter, food and logistical support to armed militants involved in the September 12, 2023 ambush that left three persons dead.
The association further alleged that Liangmei had prior knowledge of the May 13, 2026 ambush in which three church leaders were killed — an allegation SAHILCA described as “serious in nature” and one that warrants urgent intervention by competent authorities.
SAHILCA also accused the Konsakhul chairman of repeatedly undermining peace and harmony between neighbouring villages, alleging that past personal disputes were now being weaponised to gain “political and communal advantage” amid the ongoing ethnic crisis.
The association warned NPU-Imphal against what it termed as falling prey to “one-sided narratives” designed to deepen divisions between communities.
SAHILCA appealed for the “immediate and safe release” of the 14 Kuki hostages, stressing that innocent civilians must never become victims of political conflict or communal hostility.
“The killing of the three church leaders must be thoroughly investigated immediately, and authorities should not be swayed by politically motivated narratives aimed at diverting attention from a fair and impartial probe,” the statement asserted.
SAHILCA maintained that spreading propaganda and targeting entire communities without factual basis would only intensify tensions and obstruct the path to peace and justice in the strife-hit state.
The chiefs’ body urged all parties to exercise restraint and allow “rule of law, verified facts and due process” to prevail over inflammatory accusations and communal rhetoric.
