Kuki Chiefs Demand Action Over Attacks on Kuki-Zo Villages

Lamka, July 10, 2026: The Kuki Chiefs' Association, Manipur (KCAM), has expressed its deepest anguish and concern over the recent spate of violence targeting Kuki-Zo villages in the hill districts of Ukhrul, Kamjong, Noney and Tamenglong. 

In a press release issued on July 10, the association said it had received disturbing reports of coordinated attacks on several Kuki-Zo villages. According to the statement, innocent civilians were killed, many others sustained injuries, residential houses were set on fire, and properties were destroyed, forcing hundreds of villagers to flee their homes and seek shelter. The association alleged that the attacks were carried out by cadres of the Tangkhul-led NSCN-M in collusion with the ZUF-Kamson group.

Strongly condemning the attacks on unarmed civilians and the destruction of villages, KCAM said the violence had caused immense loss of life, suffering and insecurity among the Kuki-Zo people, who form a minority in these districts. It further stated that affected villagers are facing an acute shortage of food, drinking water and other essential supplies, as ongoing security threats have prevented them from accessing nearby markets for their daily needs.

The association appealed to both the Government of India and the Government of Manipur to immediately provide food grains, safe drinking water, medicines and other basic necessities to all affected villages and displaced families, stressing that relief operations should be carried out on a war footing. It also demanded the urgent and permanent deployment of Central Security Forces in and around all vulnerable Kuki-Zo villages. According to the statement, special priority should be given to villages where Kuki-Zo communities live as minorities in Tangkhul-dominated districts, as they face the highest level of vulnerability. KCAM further called for the establishment of security camps to restore public confidence and ensure the safe movement of civilians.

In addition, the association urged the Government of India to review the ceasefire agreement with NSCN-M in light of the reported targeted attacks. It demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of all NSCN-M cadres and others allegedly involved in the killing of Kuki-Zo people and the burning of their villages, asserting that there should be no impunity for those responsible for attacks on civilians.

Reaffirming its commitment to peace, the Kuki Chiefs' Association said the Kuki-Zo people wish to live peacefully, with dignity and security in their ancestral villages. It urged the authorities to act swiftly and impartially to protect the lives and property of all citizens and assured the administration of its full cooperation in relief efforts and confidence-building measures.