Guwahati: Kuki Inpi Jiribam, Tamenglong and Noney (JTN) has strongly condemned an alleged attack on Leikot Kuki Village in Manipur’s Noney district, claiming that suspected NSCN-IM militants targeted the village in the early hours of Thursday.
In a press release issued on July 2, the apex body of the Kuki tribes alleged that the attack took place at around 5:00 a.m., when armed militants launched an assault on the village. According to the organisation, local village volunteers attempted to defend the settlement using licensed single-barrel firearms but were outmatched by attackers allegedly equipped with automatic weapons and mortar shells.
Kuki Inpi claimed that the village volunteers were eventually forced to retreat, after which Leikot Kuki Village was allegedly set on fire, causing extensive damage to homes and property. The claims have not been independently verified and there has been no immediate official response from security agencies regarding the incident.
Describing the incident as a serious threat to peace and security, the organisation termed the alleged attack an act of aggression against civilians and called for condemnation from all sections of society.
The body also questioned the adequacy of security arrangements in vulnerable areas of Noney district, alleging that lapses in security have contributed to recurring incidents of violence.
Kuki Inpi appealed to the Central Government, the Manipur Government, and security agencies to launch an immediate, impartial investigation into the alleged attack, identify those responsible, and ensure they are brought to justice. It further urged authorities to strengthen security measures in vulnerable villages to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Warning that failure to address the grievances of affected residents could further aggravate tensions, the organisation reaffirmed its support for the people of Leikot Kuki Village and reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the rights, security, and dignity of the Kuki community.