The hostile ambush on an Assam Rifles convoy of 40 Assam Rifles at Nungshang Kong, just a few kilometres from Finch Corner, resulting in the deaths of W/O Balwan Singh and Havildar C.M. Singh, is a heinous act that deserves unequivocal condemnation. We extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved families and battalion and salute the sacrifice of the brave personnel who laid down their lives in the line of duty.
It is appalling to see the rush by sections of Tangkhul social media users and Khanuithot Khon to attribute the Assam Rifles ambush at Nungshang Kong -a location predominantly inhabited by Tangkhuls and encircled by Tangkhul villages-to the Kuki-Zo community – an action not only devoid of credibility but borders on the absurd. It is amusing to witness Khanuithot Khon’s confidence in believing that this latest attempt to pin the Assam Rifles ambush on the Kuki-Zo community would find any credibility.
This daylight attack on India’s security forces is a grim reminder of the persistent threat posed by NSCN (IM) -a threat that Kuki-Zo villages and civilians have repeatedly endured while being paradoxically portrayed as the perpetrators instead of the victims.
Further, the events reported on 6 July 2026 illustrate a disturbing pattern. An unannounced bandh by Meitei and Tangkhul women at Yaingangpokpi at around 8:00 AM disrupted the movement of goods until security forces restored normalcy. Later around 2:00PM, Tangkhul militants disguised as civilians fired towards Chepu Yaolen from Lamlang Gate-New Heaven area, terrifying Kuki-Zo farmers. Barely thirty minutes later came the deadly ambush on the Assam Rifles convoy at Nungshang Kong. By evening around 5:10 PM, further firing towards the Kuki-Zo cultivation areas bordering Ringui Village once again forced Kuki-Zo jhum cultivators to flee. These incidents are not just claims but documented incidents by several government agencies deployed in the area.
Yet, despite this sequence of events, the first reports from the Manipur Valley referred to the assailants of Nungshang Kong ambush merely as “Sakkhangdaba,” while any incident in Kuki-Zo areas have always been routinely and prematurely branded as the work of “Kuki militants.”
The Kuki-Zo people have consistently placed their faith in the Constitution of India and have remained law-abiding citizens. Yet, they continue to be vilified through a narrative that reflexively assigns blame to them whenever violence erupts, irrespective of the facts.
If the Government is genuinely committed to identifying those responsible and restoring public confidence, it must order search operations in Tangkhul villages/areas suspected of serving as launch pads for NSCN (IM). The Government must also undertake a comprehensive review of the ceasefire framework with NSCN (IM)- whose members do not identify themselves as Indians, to ensure ceasefire is not being exploited to facilitate violence against security forces or innocent civilians.
Kuki-Zo communities continue to await clear, visible, and transparent action from Manipur and the Government of India.
Issued by:
Department of Information and Media
WCKCSOs-Ukhrul
