Clarification on Recent Events in Mongkot Chepu and Appeal Against Unjust Administrative Action
This press release is issued to present a factual clarification of the recent events in Mongkot Chepu village in Ukhrul district and to strongly object to the unjust operation reportedly ordered in its aftermath.
The press statement issued by the Kuki CSOs Working Committee Ukhrul reads “on the morning of the incident, ie, 06/04/26, beginning around 8:30 AM, Mongkot Chepu village came under sustained attack from Tangkhul militants positioned in fortified bunkers across surrounding areas. These positions, extending from nearby hill ranges of Tangkhul occupied Litan Sareikhong to the Thoubal river bank of Sikibung, effectively placed the village under siege. Explosives and stray bullets from Tangkhul militants struck residential zones, disrupting ordinary life and subjecting civilians-particularly women, children, and the elderly-to panic, trauma, and immediate danger.
“This is not an isolated occurrence. Mongkot Chepu villagers have repeatedly endured similar attacks in the past, where daily activities such as cooking, eating, and household work are abruptly interrupted by gunfire and explosions, leaving families in a constant state of fear and uncertainty.
“The situation escalated further around 1:30 PM when projectiles reportedly fired by personnel of the Manipur Police resulted in a fire outbreak in the reserved forest area adjacent to the village cemetery. This forced villagers into an impossible situation simultaneously seeking cover from ongoing armed attacks from Tangkhul militants while attempting to contain a spreading fire threatening their environment and safety.
“It must be unequivocally stated that the response of Mongkot Chepu volunteers was purely defensive, undertaken solely to safeguard their homes and families. There was no intention to provoke or escalate violence beyond self-defense.
“In the aftermath of the chaos, villagers-fearful of further threats-temporarily stopped and checked passing vehicles as a precautionary measure. During this period, a vehicle carrying the Deputy Commissioner of Ukhrul district was halted. The interaction that followed has since been mischaracterized.
“We clarify that there was no deliberate or premeditated intent to threaten or intimidate the Deputy Commissioner or his family. The actions of the villagers must be understood within the context of extreme distress, confusion, and fear. Any perceived aggression was a reaction to an already volatile situation, not a targeted act of hostility.
“We further emphasize that the people of Mongkot Chepu do not seek sympathy, but rational understanding. If the temporary stoppage of a vehicle carrying the Deputy Commissioner and his family caused discomfort or offense, it is only reasonable to expect that the same concern be extended toward the numerous families in Mongkot Chepu whose wives, children, and elders face armed attacks from Tangkhul militants on a recurring basis. The lived reality of these villagers reflects a far greater and sustained threat to life and security.
“In this context, the reported decision by authorities in Manipur to initiate an operation targeting Mongkot Chepu village is deeply concerning and unjustified. Such an action risks further victimizing an already vulnerable civilian population and raises serious questions regarding the impartiality and responsibility of the district administration and the state government.
“We therefore call upon the district administration of Ukhrul and the Government of Manipur to:
1. Immediately reconsider and halt any planned operation against Mongkot Chepu village.
2. Ensure the protection and safety of all civilians without discrimination.
3. Initiate an independent, impartial inquiry into the incidents, including the origin of the militant attacks and subsequent escalation.
4. Exercise rational, fair, and responsible judgment in addressing the situation, free from personal grievance or misinterpretation.
5. Engage in meaningful dialogue with community representatives to de-escalate tensions and restore peace.
“The people of Mongkot Chepu seek security, dignity, and justice. Any course of action that disregards these fundamental rights risks deepening divisions and leading to consequences that could otherwise be avoided through restraint, accountability, and reasoned governance. Issued in the interest of truth, justice, and the protection of innocent civilian lives” stated the statement issued by the Department of Information and Media WCKCSOs-Ukhrul
