Ihang-Bungpi Panel Condemns NSCN-IM Attack on Leplen Village

KANGPOKPI — The Ihang-Bungpi Working Committee has strongly condemned a midnight armed attack on civilians in Leplen Village, allegedly carried out by members of the NSCN-IM on August 24, 2026.

According to the committee's condemnation statement, armed members of the NSCN-IM, reportedly stationed at Senakeithel Village, entered the jurisdiction of Leplen Village at around 12:20 a.m. and opened indiscriminate gunfire targeting local travellers and villagers. The committee said one adult civilian sustained injuries in the attack.

The incident occurred six days after the withdrawal of security forces from Leplen Village, a move the committee said has left the village and nearby Songmun Kuki Village vulnerable to attacks.

The committee noted that a significant number of security personnel remain deployed at Senakeithel Village, while no security forces are currently stationed at Leplen and Songmun Kuki villages. It questioned whether the security arrangement was allowing NSCN-IM to carry out attacks against Kuki villages and alleged that the situation amounted to a failure to adequately protect civilians.

The Ihang-Bungpi Working Committee has demanded the immediate arrest of those responsible for the attack, the prompt redeployment of adequate Central Security Forces to Leplen and Songmun Kuki villages, and equal security protection for the lives and properties of all citizens.

The committee warned that failure to address its demands would leave the government responsible for any further escalation and loss.

The statement concluded by reaffirming the committee's call for peace, security and justice.