The Kuki CSOs Working Committee unequivocally condemns the inflammatory and derogatory sermon delivered by Reverend Ramyothing Phungshok, Pastor of Sinakeithei Baptist Church, during Palm Sunday service on 29 March 2026 in Ukhrul District.
The sermon, which reportedly contained dehumanizing and provocative remarks targeting community leadership, represents a dangerous misuse of a religious platform to spread hostility and division. Such rhetoric is not only irresponsible but has the potential to incite unrest in an already volatile region.
It is deeply concerning that just days after, firing incidents began around 6:00 PM on 5 April 2026, targeting Mongkot Chepu, Thawai Kuki and Shangkai villages by Tangkhul militants from Thawai Tangkhul and Sikibung. As of 11:00 PM on 05 April 2026, at the time of issuing this statement, attacks on Shangkai and Thawai Kuki villages are still ongoing. The timing and context of these events raise serious concerns about the consequences of such inflammatory messaging. The role of instigating narratives in escalating tensions cannot and must not be ignored.
The Committee further condemn the selective and misleading narrative presented in the sermon, which deliberately omits the suffering of Kuki civilians, including targeted attacks, killings, destruction of homes, intimidation, and severe restrictions on movement.
This distortion of facts undermines justice, fuels division, and obstructs any meaningful path toward peace and reconciliation.
The statements made in the sermon prima facie attract provisions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including Sections 196, 299, and 352, as well as Sections 3(1)(r) and 3(1)(s) of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. These are serious offences, and failure to act decisively will only embolden further provocation and lawlessness.
In the face of these ongoing violations, we firmly demand:
1) Immediate registration of a case and initiation of legal proceedings against those Reverend Ramyothing Phungshok.
2) A high-level, time-bound inquiry into the firing incidents in Mongkot Chepu, Thawai Kuki and Shangkai villages.
3) Firm action against any individual or group found to be inciting violence.
4)Strict regulation of hate speech from religious and public platforms.
5) Ensuring protection, dignity, and fundamental rights of Kuki tribal communities.
Peace cannot coexist with hate. Silence in the face of such provocation is complicity. The Kuki CSOs Working Committee calls upon authorities to act decisively and uphold the rule of law before the situation escalates further.
Issued by: Department of Information and Media, WCKCSOs-Ukhrul
