UKHRUL/KAMJONG: The Working Committee of the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL-WC) has alleged that suspected Kuki militants set fire to Patleijang hamlet near Litan in Ukhrul district and Khoikai village under Chassad Police Station in Kamjong district on October 20 and 21, respectively.
The TNL-WC said smoke was seen rising from the two locations in the early hours of Tuesday and Wednesday, citing sources in neighbouring Tangkhul Naga villages.
The apex Tangkhul Naga civil body said Khoikai had been abandoned and that Tangkhul Naga civil society organisations had facilitated the safe passage of the remaining 40 inhabitants of the village on April 6, 2026.
The TNL-WC alleged that the incidents could be intended to create grounds for further attacks against Tangkhul Naga villages. It drew parallels with earlier incidents involving the burning of Lanchah and Phaimol, which it claimed were followed by attacks on neighbouring Tangkhul Naga settlements.
According to the communiqué, the Kuki National Army-Burma (KNA-B) and the Village Volunteers of Eastern Zone (VVEZ) attacked Z. Choro, Wanglee and Namlee villages along the Indo-Myanmar border on May 7, following the reported burning of Lanchah. The TNL also cited attacks on Huimin Thana and Khrongram, a hamlet of Nampisha village, following the reported burning of Phaimol.
It then condemned the latest incidents and urged Tangkhul Naga communities, particularly those in vulnerable areas, to remain vigilant against possible further attacks.
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In a separate communiqué issued on October 20, the TNL Working Committee also alleged that the 11 Assam Rifles carried out bombings in residential areas of Kamjong district headquarters on October 17 between 9 pm and 9.30 pm.
TheTNL-WC claimed that the incident damaged household property and livestock and caused fear among residents. It said the incident occurred on the same day as an attack allegedly carried out by KNA-B cadres and VVEZ members between Kamjong Police Station Gate and Chassad Public Ground, in which three civilians were reportedly injured.
The apex body questioned the rationale for the alleged bombing of residential areas and called on the governments of Manipur and India, judicial institutions and human rights organisations to address the incidents and ensure justice for affected civilians.
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