The Kuki CSOs Working Committee Ukhrul on Thursday issued a rebuttal against statements put out by the Central Working Committee of Tangkhul Naga Foothills’ Organisation (CWC-TNFO) and Khanuithot-Khon.
The statement issued by the Department of Information and Media, WCKCSOs-Ukhrul stated that ”this statement is issued to firmly reject and expose the misleading, selective, and politically motivated narrative put out by the Central Working Committee-TFNO & Khanuithot-Khon. The repeated pattern of distortion, half-truths, and unverified allegations cannot go unchallenged.
1. ON THE SO-CALLED “CONFRONTATION” AT 9:00 AM, 14/04/26:
The claim that a civilian convoy was “threatened by Kuki militants” is not only unverified but blatantly irresponsible. CWC-TFNO must immediately stop branding every unidentified individual on NH-202 as a “Kuki militant” without a shred of credible evidence.
NH-202 is a public highway. Movement along it cannot be selectively criminalized based on assumption or convenience. Such reckless labeling is a deliberate attempt to manufacture fear, mislead the public, and malign and vilify the entire Kuki community.
If CWC-TFNO possesses credible proof, it should present it. If not, these claims stand exposed as propaganda.
2. ON THE AMBULANCE FIRING – SELECTIVE TRUTH AND CONCEALMENT:
While the firing incident involving an ambulance is indeed serious, the CWC-TFNO’s version is conspicuously incomplete-raising questions about what is being deliberately concealed. We fully understand the constraints faced by CWC-TFNO, hence, WCKCSOs have taken the initiative to present the recorded ground realities clearly and comprehensively for the public.
GROUND REALITY:
On 13th April, 2026 around 5:00 PM, multiple rounds were fired toward Zalenbung village by Tangkhul militans (NSCN Eastern Flank) from entrenched bunker positions along the Thoubal riverbank, directly opposite the Zalenbung paddy fields and within close proximity of NH-202.
These bunkers have long been associated with Tangkhul militants (NSCN-Eastern Flanks) operating from the Thawai Tangkhul side. Security forces intervened at that time, preventing further escalation.
FURTHER DEVELOPMENTS:
On 14th April 2026, the same location was reportedly used to target a moving ambulance by Tangkhul militants with high-velocity rounds in a deliberate attempt to misattribute blame and frame the Kuki community.
Notably, the absence of immediate response from the security forces in that instance forced local village volunteers to act in self-defense.
Later that night, at around 10:27 PM, approximately six rounds were fired towards Mongkot Chepu village from the vicinity of the Bible College in Leingangching @ S. Laho in an attempt to provoke escalation, which was effectively prevented by timely intervention from the security forces.
TNL’s silence on these critical facts is not an oversight-it is a calculated omission.
3. ON HYPOCRISY REGARDING NEUTRALITY AND SECURITY FORCES:
It is deeply ironic that groups like CWC-TFNO & Khanuithot Khon now question the neutrality of security forces while their people have a consistent record of obstructing them:
1) Publicly issuing restriction notices against central forces,
2) Mobilizing civilians- mostly women to physically block lawful operations,
3) Undermining efforts to stabilize the region.
One cannot sabotage security operations on one hand and question their effectiveness on the other, further demanding for their replacement with other forces for convenience. This contradiction exposes the lack of credibility in such claims.
4. ON CIVILIAN SAFETY AND MOVEMENT:
CWC-TFNO’s sudden concern for “free movement” on NH-202 lacks sincerity. There have been repeated instances where kuki civilian commuters have faced direct threats along the stretch of Leplen & Tingpibung and selective & silent economic blockade on goods for Kukis at Wunghon by Tangkhul women continues, yet these incidents are conveniently ignored.
Basic humanitarian norms are universal and cannot be treated as the exclusive domain or entitlement of any single community, including the Tangkhuls.
WCKCSOs reiterates, NH-202 has not been under any formal restriction so far. Attempts to portray otherwise are misleading and appear designed to create a false narrative of victimhood.
The presence of fortified positions and armed militants in close proximity to civilian settlements and highways is a serious issue that cannot be brushed aside. Civilians in Kuki villages have been compelled to rely on local volunteers and security forces for protection in the face of recurring threats.
If there is genuine commitment to peace, then these realities must be acknowledged-not denied or deflected.
The time for vague accusations and propaganda is over. This statement calls for evidence-based assertions instead of reckless labeling, full disclosure of facts-not selective storytelling, accountability from all sides, and cooperation with security forces instead of obstruction.
Misinformation in conflict situations is not harmless-it fuels division, escalates tensions, and undermines peace efforts.
“The people of Ukhrul deserve truth, not narratives crafted for convenience. Any attempt to mislead the public or inflame tensions will be met with firm and factual rebuttal” stated the statement issued by the Department of Information and Media, WCKCSOs-Ukhrul
