The Working Committee, Joint Tribes Council, Manipur (JTCM) and Joint Tribes Students’ Association (JTSA) has strongly condemned the brutal murder of Chunjanglung Panmei of Pongringlong village by suspected Kuki Armed Militants on 8 June 2026.
The statement issued by the Working Committee, JTC-Manipur stated that “the Working Committee, Joint Tribes Council, Manipur (JTCM) issues this unequivocal, strongest, and most severe condemnation of the brutal murder of (Lt) Mr. Chunjanglung Panmei, carried out by the Kuki narco-terrorists KNF (P) operating under the cover of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement, and actively assisted by Indian Security Forces on the morning of June 8, 2026 at Pongringlong village.
“We declare, without an iota of doubt, that this was not just an attack on one man, it was an attack on all humanity, on justice, and on the very foundation of coexistence in Manipur.
“We condemn:
1. The Kuki narco-terrorists KNF (P) who shelter under SoO while cultivating poppy plantations, wielding sophisticated weapons, and targeting unarmed civilians. They are not freedom fighters. They are murderers of the innocent.
2. The Indian Security Forces who, instead of protecting our people, tactically assisted this ambush. They fired indiscriminately, subjected villagers to extreme fear, and turned their weapons against those they swore to guard. This is not neutrality. This is complicity in murder.
3. The pattern of silence: This is not the first attack. The several recent attacks since May 13th, 2026, went unpunished. And now, another man is dead. How many more must fall before the government acts?
“We demand immediate arrest and prosecution of all Kuki terrorist elements involved. Removal of all SoO camps from Naga ancestral lands. A public apology and compensation to the family of (Lt) Mr. Chunjanglung Panmei. Independent inquiry into the role of security forces in this assassination.
“The Naga people have shown maximum restraint and patience, but restraint is not weakness. And patience is not forgiveness. We hold the culprits accountable. We name them. We condemn them. And we will not rest until justice is served” added the statement issued by the Working Committee, JTC- Manipur
The Joint Tribes Students’ Association (JTSA) seeks impartiality and accountability from Central Security Forces. The statement of JTSA stated that “the Joint Tribes Students’ Association (JTSA) expresses its profound anguish and unequivocally condemns the killing of Shri Chungjanglung Panmei, 57, an innocent civilian and member of the village authority Pongringlong -1, by the Kuki narco-terrorist outfit KNF (P), a signatory to the Suspension of Operation agreement with the Government of India.
“The innocent deceased and Colleagues were proceeding to collect firewood and to repair the water pipelines that had been cut and damaged by Kuki narco-terrorist operatives. This incident was preceded by a stealth patrol and drone reconnaissance conducted by the 19th Assam Rifles in the vicinity on 6th-7th May 2026-actions that, in effect, cleared the route for the infiltration of Kuki Narco Terrorist armed cadres into a Naga village.
“We note with grave concern that this is not an isolated case. On 13th May 2026, three Thadou reverends and pastors were killed by KNF (P) between Kotlen and Kotzim. On the same day, KNF operatives ambushed civilians at Joujangtek and killed Mr. Wilson Thanga,, the sole breadwinner of his family from Dolang Chiru village. And abduction and murder 6 Liangmai Naga Innocent civillians including religious leader from Konshakhul Village.
“While armed groups under the SoO framework continue to perpetrate violence against civilians with impunity, the conduct of certain Central Security Forces, particularly the Assam Rifles, has raised serious questions. Their actions appear inconsistent with the constitutional mandate of neutrality and protection of all citizens.
“Security forces are trained to defend the sovereignty and integrity of India. They take an oath to protect every citizen without fear or favour. We are compelled to ask: Why then are civilian lives being sacrificed while partisan interests prevail?
“We do not seek confrontation. We seek justice. We appeal to the Government of India and the Assam Rifles to uphold their constitutional duty and discharge their responsibilities without bias. An impartial inquiry into the events of 6th-7th May 2026 must be instituted, and accountability fixed. Should the State fail to protect its citizens, the people will be forced to seek lawful recourse. Such a situation would inevitably draw national and international attention an outcome we wish to avoid. Our demand is simple: Let the protectors protect. Let the law prevail.
“The Joint Tribes Students’ Association (JTSA) shares in the grief and sorrow of the bereaved family during this time of profound loss. We stand in unwavering solidarity with them and extend our deepest condolences. May the departed soul rest in eternal peace” added the statement issued by the Information and Publicity, JTSA.
