The Chepu Yaolen Village Authority strongly condemns the brutal killing of Mr. Sandeep Rai (40), a Gorkhali farmer from Senapati, in an ambush carried out by NSCN(IM) cadres at around 6:00 AM on 10 October 2026, along the MTP (Mahadev-Toloi-Pfutsero) Inter-Village Road, above Shaila Khuti, within the forest cultivation area of Chepu Yaolen.
Mr. Rai, who cultivated farmland at Chepu Yaolen, was driving his red Maruti Alto (WB 24K 3992) towards his farm when he fell victim to an ambush believed to have targeted Kuki-Zo farmers. His body has since been retrieved by a joint team of Army and police personnel and sent for post-mortem examination. Upon receiving information about the incident, the Chief of Chepu Yaolen approached Litan Police Station to report the killing and lodge an FIR. However, the Litan police as stated has registered suo motu FIR.
Chepu Yaolen has always warmly accommodated the Gorkhali community and shared deep bonds with its members. Mr. Rai was regarded as one of our own, making his untimely death a deeply personal loss for the entire village.
Farmers in Chepu Yaolen and neighbouring Kuki-Zo villages have long feared attacks from neighbouring Tangkhul villages, including TM Kasom, Ringui, Sirarikhong and this very MTP Inter-Village Road, following repeated sightings of drones monitoring the area and previous incidents of attacks.
Despite these grave apprehensions, the Village Authority repeatedly sought adequate security deployment, but its pleas fell on deaf ears. This tragic killing raises serious questions about the consequences of the civil administration’s and State Government’s continued failure to address these security concerns.
The killing of an innocent farmer simply pursuing his livelihood is an unconscionable act of violence. The Chepu Yaolen Village Authority extends its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prays that God grants them strength and comfort in this hour of profound grief.
How many more lives must be lost before the Government wakes up to its responsibility to protect our vulnerable villages and their people? How long must our farmers live under the constant shadow of fear, uncertain whether they will return home alive simply for venturing out to cultivate their fields? The Government must end this dangerous neglect and ensure immediate security for our vulnerable villages before another life is lost.
Issued by:
Information & Publicity
Chepu Yaolen Village Authority
