Amid continuing tensions in Manipur’s Ukhrul district, two organisations have put forth sharply differing accounts of the prevailing security situation in Manipur’s Ukhrul district, calling for urgent intervention by the authorities.
WCTNL alleges bias, condemns attacks in Ukhrul: Working Committee of Tangkhul Naga Long (WCTNL) has alleged that the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and central security forces were ignoring the plight of Tangkhul Nagas while “covertly using Kuki militants” to target Naga civilians, even as violence continued in parts of Ukhrul district.
In a press communiqué, TNL condemned the reported bomb attack at New Heaven and firing at civilian vehicles at TM Kasom since around 3 a.m., along with what it described as persistent attacks at Sinakeithei since late February. It termed the situation as a reflection of “biased and indifferent treatment” by the security forces.
The committee questioned the conduct of security agencies, citing an April 24 incident where an individual was reportedly escorted to Mullam by central forces, while repeated appeals for deployment of adequate security at Sinakeithei were allegedly ignored. It also referred to a combing operation at Lungter on April 28, stating that Sinakeithei came under attack later the same evening, raising doubts over the effectiveness of such operations.
TNL further alleged that, on several occasions, security personnel had harassed civilians, including women, and dismantled local defence structures instead of acting against “armed aggressors”. It claimed that a series of incidents over the past two months had eroded public trust and deepened insecurity among villagers.
Raising concern over a joint area domination and combing operation reportedly ordered on April 29, the committee alleged irregularities in its execution and questioned the role of forces involved. It also expressed apprehension over alleged use of certain locations as transit points by both militants and security forces, and sought clarity on operational procedures.
Reiterating its demand, TNL called for replacement of central security forces with state forces, asserting that existing arrangements had failed to inspire confidence among the people. It urged the authorities to ensure impartial action, restore law and order, and address the grievances of affected communities.
TNL cautioned that continued “biased conduct” could further aggravate tensions and compel the public to resort to democratic forms of protest if concerns remained unaddressed.
KIM flags militant presence, seeks Centre’s intervention: Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) has expressed serious concern over reported presence of armed militants in Ukhrul district, alleging coordinated activities posing risks to civilian safety and public order.
In a press note, KIM through its info & publicity secretary Janghaolun Haokip, claimed that “over 50 cadres of Meitei group Arambai Tenggol” were stationed at Sikibung in Ukhrul district, allegedly operating in coordination with “Tangkhul militant elements”. It stated that such developments indicated a structured militant deployment in the area.
KIM alleged that multiple locations in the district, including Sareikhong, T.M. Kasom, Leingangching, Sikibung and Thoyee, were being used as bases for joint militant activities. It also claimed that an unauthorised NSCN-led militant camp was functioning without visible enforcement action, terming it a serious lapse in maintaining law and order.
KIM also raised concern over alleged inputs suggesting that a senior police officer had compromised operational integrity by sharing sensitive information related to vulnerable Kuki villages, which it claimed could facilitate targeted attacks. It said such actions, if proven, would amount to a grave breach of official responsibility and undermine the credibility of the security apparatus.
Kuki Inpi said the convergence of armed groups across multiple locations, coupled with the alleged lack of containment measures, pointed to a deteriorating security situation in Ukhrul district.
It called upon the Government of India to take immediate steps to dismantle militant camps, remove armed concentrations, initiate an independent inquiry into the alleged intelligence breach, and ensure adequate protection for vulnerable civilian populations.
The organisation stressed that urgent intervention was necessary to restore order and uphold the rule of law.