The Kuki CSO Wokring Committee Ukhrul has issued a clarification and rebuttal in regards to the 18 April 2026 incident. The Kuki CSO Wokring Committee has also demanded that authorities to take immediate cognizance of the situation and register a suo motu FIR against Mr. Sword Vashum for his provocative statements.
The clarification statement issued by the Department of Information and Media WCKCSOS-Ukhrul reads, “we issue this statement to firmly address the recent remarks made by Mr. Sword Vashum and to counter the growing spread of misinformation surrounding the tragic incident of 18th April, 2026. The loss of two lives is deeply unfortunate, and in such a sensitive time, it is imperative that public discourse remains responsible, factual, and directed toward peace rather than escalation.
“The Kuki community categorically denies any involvement in the ambush of April 18. Attempts to assign collective blame without credible evidence are baseless and dangerous, as they risk targeting an entire community unfairly. Equally false is the allegation that Kukis have “imposed war” on any community. Such claims are misleading and serve only to inflame tensions rather than contribute to clarity or justice.
“It is both ironic and deeply concerning that Mr. Sword Vashum, who was absent when Kuki civil society organisations actively sought engagement with Tangkhul CSOs during the initial phase of unrest in the Litan Sareikhong area, has now emerged with statements that are provocative in tone. At a time when dialogue and de-escalation were urgently needed, there was silence. Now, when tensions have intensified, rhetoric suggesting retaliation within “3-4 days” has only aggravated the situation further. Such statements reflect a serious lapse in responsible leadership and contribute directly to rising tensions.
“We are further compelled to express grave concern over the reported escalation of violence following these remarks, including fresh and more severe attacks on Mongkot Chepu and Kuki villages surrounding Sinakeithei. In light of these developments, we demand that authorities take immediate cognizance of the situation and register a suo motu FIR against Mr. Sword Vashum for his provocative statements, which have contributed to further instability and risk to civilian lives.
“We also categorically reject the misleading narrative that portrays Kukis as tenants under Tangkhul ownership. Kuki villages in Ukhrul are government-recognized, with valid documentation including land records and village maps. Administrative inclusion within a district does not confer land ownership to any one community over another. Kukis live on land that is rightfully theirs, and any suggestion otherwise is both inaccurate and disrespectful.
“It is important that the younger generation must be guided by values of truth, respect, and peaceful coexistence-not by misinformation and inflammatory rhetoric. Escalation benefits no one and only deepens suffering.
“While we remain committed to peaceful coexistence and dialogue, we state with equal clarity that we will defend our villages and our people with full resolve if threatened. The safety, dignity, and security of our community are non-negotiable, and any attempt to endanger them will be met with lawful and determined protection” added the statement issued by the Department of Information and Media WCKCSOS-Ukhrul.
