Imphal: The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), a Kuki-Zo civil society organisation based in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district, has strongly condemned the killing of 53-year-old farmer Haolal Singsit, who was shot dead while working in his jhum field at Govajang village on July 11.
According to CoTU, Singsit was allegedly attacked by suspected cadres of the NSCN-IM and ZUF-Kamson. His wife, Nemneikim, who was with him at the time, escaped the attack unharmed.
The incident has triggered outrage across the Kuki-Zo community, with thousands of people gathering at the Kangpokpi Community Hall after the post-mortem examination to pay their last respects. Mourners offered prayers and demanded justice for the slain farmer.
Speaking to reporters, CoTU spokesperson Ng. Lun Kipgen questioned the effectiveness of the security deployment in the area. He said the attack took place just a day after a state-led combing operation, raising concerns over how armed militants were able to operate in broad daylight.
Kipgen described the killing as the second major violent incident along the IT Road after the June 9 attack in the Lasan area and alleged that it reflected what he termed “Naga supremacist ideology.”
The organisation urged both the Centre and the Manipur government to take firm action against Tangkhul-led NSCN and ZUF armed groups. It also appealed for stronger security measures to prevent further violence, stating that recurring attacks continue to threaten the lives and livelihoods of civilians in the region.