Imphal: The Indigenous People’s Forum, Manipur (IPFM), on Monday submitted a memorandum to the Supreme Court-appointed Justice Gita Mittal Committee, alleging that personnel of the Assam Rifles provided support to armed Kuki militants during the burning of 25 residential houses belonging to Tangkhul Naga families at Litan Sareikhong Village in Manipur’s Ukhrul district on February 8, 2026.
The IPFM urged the committee to rigorously investigate these allegations and requested immediate intervention from the Union Government to address the hardships faced by the residents of Litan.
The memorandum highlighted that the violent ethnic clashes between Tangkhul Nagas and Kuki-Zo groups at Litan on February 8 have drawn widespread condemnation from various sections of society.
It alleged that, on the afternoon of the same day, 25 Tangkhul houses were set ablaze in broad daylight by Kuki militants who were “fully backed” by the Assam Rifles.
Furthermore, the IPFM alleged that the conduct of central security forces has eroded public trust, claiming that law enforcers acted in a partisan manner. The memorandum stated that while houses belonging to Kukis were guarded, Tangkhul residences were left unprotected.
The forum also alleged that certain Assam Rifles personnel were involved in dousing operations aimed specifically at saving Kuki homes while ignoring the burning of Tangkhul houses.
The IPFM has demanded strict and immediate action against all personnel found responsible for this alleged negligence and complicity.
It further alleged that Kuki militants were operating in proximity to central security forces at Mongkot Chepu, Shangkai, and Litan villages, and accused the central forces of extending logistical support to the militants while subjecting Tangkhul residents to harassment.
Additionally, the IPFM functions as a state chapter of the North East Indigenous People’s Forum, focused on protecting, promoting, and advocating for the rights, culture, and identity of indigenous communities in Manipur.
It raises awareness about demographic shifts, monitors government corruption, and brings indigenous grievances to the global stage.