Lamka: The Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) has strongly condemned what it described as a “brutal cross-border terror attack” on Kultuh Kuki village in Manipur’s Kamjong district, alleging the involvement of Tangkhul NSCN-IM cadres, its Eastern Flank faction, and Myanmar-based Shanni Nationalities Army (SNA) junta cadres.
In a press statement issued from the KIM Secretariat, the apex Kuki tribal body termed the incident a “pre-dawn massacre and arson” that left two church workers dead and several properties devastated. The organisation alleged that the attackers entered the village from across the Indo-Myanmar border and retreated back into Myanmar after carrying out the assault.
The victims were identified as Letminlun Haokip (34), General Secretary of KBC Circle No. 17 and Head Deacon of Kultuh Local Church, and Lunminthang Haokip (36), Youth Department General Secretary of KBC Circle No. 17 and Youth Chairman of Kultuh Local Church. According to KIM, both men were “mercilessly killed and desecrated,” with their bodies allegedly mutilated and burned.
KIM claimed that eyewitnesses and physical evidence point to the incident being a coordinated cross-border operation. The statement alleged that the attackers were heard speaking Tangkhul among themselves and Burmese while communicating with SNA cadres. It further claimed that several local civilians allegedly assisted the attackers by guiding them, providing shelter, and facilitating their movement. KIM called for an immediate and impartial investigation into these allegations to establish the full facts and identify any collaborators.
Describing the incident as “external aggression” rather than an internal conflict, the organisation said the attack posed a serious threat to India’s sovereignty and border security. KIM accused the Centre of failing to adequately secure the Indo-Myanmar border and termed the continued silence of the authorities a “gross dereliction of duty.”
The organisation placed several demands before the Government of India and the Government of Manipur. These include immediate measures to stop cross-border incursions, strengthening security along the Indo-Myanmar border in Kamjong district, and launching an urgent, independent judicial inquiry into the Kultuh incident with witness protection and forensic investigation.
KIM also demanded the arrest and prosecution of all perpetrators and any proven collaborators. Additionally, it called for NSCN-IM Eastern Flank and associated Myanmar-based camps to be declared unlawful terrorist organisations and dismantled. The organisation further urged the government to abrogate what it described as “de facto ceasefire arrangements” that allegedly allow Tangkhul NSCN-IM cadres to operate with impunity in the hill districts.
The statement further sought a probe into the alleged involvement of Myanmar junta-backed SNA cadres and urged the Indian government to raise the matter diplomatically with Myanmar and at appropriate international forums. It also demanded immediate compensation for the victims’ families and reconstruction of houses and properties damaged during the attack.
KIM additionally called for the deployment of adequate central armed forces and permanent security outposts across vulnerable Kuki villages in Kamjong district. It urged the strengthening of Assam Rifles presence and border patrolling to curb the movement of what it termed “cross-border narco-terror networks.”
Expressing frustration over what it described as prolonged inaction, the organisation said the “benevolence and restraint” of the Kuki people had repeatedly been met with violence and betrayal despite efforts at peaceful engagement and cooperation with authorities.
KIM warned that continued failure to act could compel local communities to “protect their lives and communities by other means,” while holding both the Centre and the State government responsible for any further consequences. The organisation also appealed to democratic institutions, churches, civil society organisations, human rights groups, and the media to stand with the victims and press for swift justice and transparent action.
