The Working Committee of Kuki CSOs (WCKCSOs), Ukhrul, strongly condemns the heinous arson attack on Patleijang, a hamlet of Chepu Yaolen, allegedly perpetrated by NSCN(IM) cadres operating from Sikibung, Leingangching and TM Kasom. Beginning around 1:00 AM on 20 October 2026, the attack reduced the entire village to ashes. In a brazen display of impunity, the perpetrators celebrated the destruction by firing approximately three rounds of automatic weapons.
The press statement of Kuki CSO Working Committee- Ukhrul reads “despite repeated requests for permanent security to protect Patleijang and Chepu Yaolen, the authorities failed to ensure consistent protection. The BSF deployment scheduled for 19 October was delayed until 20 October. Was this delay a coincidence, or did it provide the attackers a convenient window to execute their agenda?
“With the BSF at TM Kasom, the Army at Leingangching, and the BSF, CRPF and Litan Police at Litan Sareikhong, how could an entire village be burned without intervention? Are NSCN (IM) cadres invincible, or has the security apparatus been compromised? Has NSCN (IM) been granted an unofficial license to kill, burn villages and terrorise civilians with impunity while the governments of Manipur and India look the other way? After Patleijang, which Kuki-Zo village is next?
“While Kuki-Zo civilians face relentless attacks, agencies such as the CRPF’s CoBRA unit and the NIA appear disproportionately focused on Kuki-Zo areas and civilians. The NIA’s apparent lack of urgency over the killing of two Kuki-Zo water-pipe repairers by NSCN (IM), contrasted with its pursuit of a case relating to the 18 April 2026 incident, raises serious questions about investigative priorities. The summoning of outspoken village chiefs, social workers and student leaders further deepens fears of selective scrutiny and intimidation.
“Has being a victim itself become a crime? Kuki-Zos are left to fend for their survival while those demanding protection face scrutiny. This glaring disparity fuels the perception of partisan governance and selective justice.
“The circumstances surrounding Patleijang have intensified suspicions that NSCN (IM) enjoys tacit protection or indulgence from elements within the Manipur and Central Governments. If this perception is unfounded, let the governments disprove it through action, not rhetoric.
“WCKCSOs-Ukhrul demands an immediate explanation for the delayed BSF deployment, permanent security for Patleijang and Chepu Yaolen, and decisive measures to prevent further attacks. All perpetrators must be held accountable, and security and investigative agencies must act impartially.
“Patleijang has been reduced to ashes. The governments of Manipur and India must act before another Kuki-Zo village suffers the same fate. Official silence and security failure must not become a license for further bloodshed” added the statement issued by the Department of Information and Media, WCKCSOS-Ukhrul.
