The Kuki CSO Working Committee has called for an indefinite total shutdown along National Highway 202 (Imphal-Ukhrul Road), effective immediately from 11:00 AM of 10 October 2026, until further notice.
The statement issued by the WCKCSOs stated that “the Kuki CSO Working Committee (WCKCSOs), Ukhrul, strongly condemns the 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 on lease, 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 is yet to be retrieved, and the injuries leading to his death remain unascertained. The chief of Chepu Yaolen first informed the police. The killing of an innocent farmer who posed no threat is an unconscionable act of violence. WCKCSOs-Ukhrul extends its heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family and prays that God grants them strength in this hour of profound grief.
“This tragedy comes amid the brutal killing of Mrs. Domkhonei Touthang, wife of Mr. Lallenmang Touthang of Chassad village, at the hands of Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) personnel between 8:30 PM and 10:00 PM on 9 October 2026.
“In a separate but equally shocking incident, Mr. Michael Ngamminlen Haokip (22), son of Mr. Paothang Haokip of Chassad, was killed during the NSCN(IM) attack on Chassad village, where firing and the burning of houses began. around 4:30 AM on 10 October 2026. The renewed violence left the bereaved families scarcely any opportunity to mourn their dead or accord them dignified funerals. Such brutality is a flagrant affront to humanity and the Christian values of compassion, mercy and respect for the dead.
“The killing of civilians and destruction of homes constitute a grave humanitarian crisis and a damning indictment of the State and Central Governments’ failure to protect innocent lives.
“In view of these grave incidents, WCKCSOs-Ukhrul hereby announces an indefinite Total Shutdown along National Highway 202 (NH-202), effective immediately from 11:00 AM, 10/10/26, until further notice.
“The shutdown shall remain in force until further notice. The responsibility for the consequences of this decision rests with those whose actions have pushed innocent civilians to the brink and made normal life increasingly unsafe” stated the statement issued by the Department of Information & Media, WCKCSOs-Ukhrul.
