Imphal, October 12: Thadou Inpi Manipur (TIM) vehemently condemns the killings of multiple civilians on 10 October 2026 in several incidents in Kamjong, Kangpokpi and Ukhrul districts amid escalating Kuki–Naga violence. TIM extends its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and demands the immediate arrest and prosecution of all those responsible.
Government condemnations without consequences have emboldened perpetrators and allowed the killing spree to continue. Condolences, statements and promises of justice are meaningless when innocent people continue to die and those responsible escape accountability.
The killings of 42-year-old Domkhonei Touthang, an innocent woman from Chahsat village, and the other victims are deeply distressing. The beheading of Ajinpou Ringkangmai of Makui Naga village demonstrates an appalling level of brutality reminiscent of the barbaric methods employed by the notorious terrorist group, Islamic State (ISIS). The circulating video reportedly shows fully camouflaged, heavily armed Kuki militants displaying his severed head as a trophy, laughing and making mocking remarks, with several men’s faces uncovered. If authenticated, the footage could provide crucial evidence for investigators. Authorities must urgently identify those involved, investigate the circumstances of the beheading and the circulation of the footage, and ensure that everyone responsible is arrested and prosecuted.
The failure to deliver justice for previous killings, including those of Thadou and Naga victims in the 13 May 2026 attack, has emboldened perpetrators of heinous crimes and deepened fears that perpetrators can act with impunity. Every failure to hold offenders accountable risks encouraging further violence. No armed group, however powerful its political connections, must be permitted to place itself above Indian law.
It is increasingly difficult to ignore the impression that some perpetrators treat killing as a festival, openly celebrating brutality while ordinary people live in fear. Manipur is sinking deeper into lawlessness as armed groups exercise coercive power over civilians. TIM calls for thorough investigations into groups responsible for such violence and for their designation and treatment as terrorist organisations wherever the evidence and applicable law justify it.
Chief Minister Y. Khemchand Singh must stop projecting an image of peace through public appearances and heavily secured visits while civilians continue to be killed. Security entourages and public statements cannot establish normalcy when ordinary people remain exposed to armed violence. Nor can ex gratia payments or arrests of individuals allegedly unrelated to particular crimes substitute for identifying and prosecuting the actual perpetrators. The government must demonstrate results through credible investigations, lawful arrests and prosecutions—not announcements and assurances. What purpose does a government serve if it cannot protect innocent lives or uphold the rule of law? Is it the duty of government and security forces to protect unarmed civilians or appease and protect armed militants instead? If the government is committed to peace, it must prove that commitment through immediate, impartial and effective action. If it cannot discharge its constitutional responsibilities, it must accept responsibility and resign.
TIM demands immediate investigations into the killings, the identification and prosecution of those responsible for Ajinpou Ringkangmai’s beheading and the killing of all other victims, and effective protection for civilians against further violence. The killing of innocent people is not a festival. Human lives are not trophies. Manipur needs action, accountability and justice—not another round of condemnations followed by inaction.