The Kuki Inpi Ukhrul (KIU) and Kuki CSO Working Committee Ukhrul have rejected the claims made by Global Naga Forum (GNF).
The press release of Kuki Inpi Ukhrul (KIU) stated, “Kuki Inpi Ukhrul acknowledges GNF’s appeal for cessation of hostilities but rejects its deviation from ground realities.
“From the outset of the unrest, the Kuki population in Ukhrul has made consistent efforts to bring Tangkhul CSOs to the table for peace. These efforts have been met with silence. The Kukis have stood and continue to stand-for peace; however, self-defense is inevitable in the face of sustained provocation and attacks.
“Attributing the NH-202 incident to “Kuki terrorists” without any completed, impartial, and officially verified investigation is prejudicial and violates principles of natural justice. KIU calls upon GNF to substantiate this claim with credible evidence from competent authorities, including the Ministry of Home Affairs, or withdraw it immediately.
“Similarly, allegations regarding misuse of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) arrangement- including diversion of stipends and use of Kuki villages as militant bases-are serious but entirely unverified. Their publication without official confirmation amounts to misinformation and risks inciting communal disharmony.
“GNF’s statement is further undermined by its omission of critical facts, including:
1) The 22 April 2026 armed attack on G. Shongmun village using automatic weapons and explosives, forcing civilians to flee.
2) Coordinated firing on Pashong Shongmun (G Shongmun) despite the presence of security forces at Sinakeithel, raising concerns about armed Tangkhul militants reportedly operating from or near the area.
3) The worsening humanitarian situation in Mongkot Chepu, where civilians-including churchgoers-have been deliberately targeted; children have come under fire; the village chief’s residence was struck by a sniper round; and continuous firing has placed the village under siege, restricting movement.
*Such selective omission renders the GNF narrative misleading and biased. KIU rejects attempts to frame the situation as a broader “Naga versus Kuki conflict.” This is inflammatory, irresponsible, and harmful to public order.
“The situation is not representative of the Tangkhul community as a whole either but driven by a few vested elements.
“The demand to abrogate the SoO agreement, absent any established violation, is arbitrary and contrary to due process. Any review must be based strictly on verified findings by competent authorities.
“KIU calls for an immediate, independent, and time-bound inquiry into security lapses, particularly concerning the G. Shongmun incident, to ensure accountability and equal protection under the law.
“GNF is urged to assess the ground reality objectively and seek accountability not only from Kuki CSOs but also from Tangkhul CSOs regarding their royal silence on violence and propaganda by Tangkhul extremist elements.
“KIU reiterates its commitment to peace, the rule of law, and constitutional processes. However, continued dissemination of defamatory, unverified, and inflammatory allegations against the Kuki community will invite appropriate legal action without further notice.”
The Kuki CSO Working Committee Ukhrul has also rejected the GNF’s statement. The press release stated “while WCKCSOs-Ukhrul acknowledge and appreciate GNF’s appeal for dialogue, we cannot remain silent in the face of the superficial and misleading portrayal of the ongoing situation by the GNF, which has, without basis, leveled unfounded allegations against the Kuki community.
“WCKCSOs-Ukhrul hereby asserts the following incontrovertible facts:
1) The Kuki Students’ Organization (KSO) was the first to urge the public on 08/02/26 to refrain from communalizing the unrest. This call for restraint was met with open threats, baseless accusations, and severe backlash, even though the KSO’s stance was one of peace and prevention.
2) On 08/02/26, it was the Tangkhul militants who initiated gunfire in the presence of both police forces and a large assembly of civilians near Litan Police Station. This event is formally documented by government authorities.
3) The first acts of arson were carried out by Tangkhul militants from Sikibung, who set ablaze the residence of Lamkhothang Baite at approximately 11:50 PM on 08/02/26.
4) The first abduction and brutal murder occurred at the hands of Tangkhul militants on 11/03/26. Thenkhogin Baite and Thangboimang Lunkim were abducted and murdered, with their bodies recovered on 12/03/26. In stark contrast, the Kuki community demonstrated humanity by releasing 21 abducted Tangkhul individuals on 12/03/26, despite the ongoing violence.
5) Contrary to the claims of a highway blockade, it was the Tangkhul community that arranged helicopter services, driven by guilt and fear arising from the actions of militants based in TM Kasom, Leingangching, Sikibung, Thawai Tangkhul, and Sinakeithel.
6) The first and only economic blockade throughout this entire crisis was instigated by Tangkhul women under the pressure of the TNFO at Wunghon.
“The actions of the Kuki community thus far have been solely in self-defense, as a direct response to the relentless violence and misinformation propagated by certain elements within the Tangkhul community with clear vested interests.
“On 8th and 9th February 2026, the Tangkhul CSOs walked out of the meetings, effectively issuing veiled threats to the Kuki representatives in the presence of dignitaries. Despite a temporary agreement on 14th February 2026, which outlined two key points to de-escalate the situation, the Tangkhul CSOs reneged on their commitments and, thereafter, made no visible efforts-either through public relations or on-the-ground engagement-to resume dialogue with Kuki CSOs. However, on 18th April 2026, the TNL’s President reappeared, not with an intent to restore peace, but with actions that only served to inflame the situation further.
“The repeated allegations involving the Kuki SoO groups are nothing more than a calculated attempt to provoke a full-scale conflict between the Tangkhul and Kuki communities, thereby advancing a political agenda aimed at the eradication of the Kuki people from Ukhrul. When these efforts failed, the Tangkhul extremists resorted to the tragic killing of their own kin on 18/04/26, a desperate attempt to gain sympathy and consolidate forces against the innocent Kuki community.
“While the GNF continues to recycle the tired and discredited tactic of blaming the Kuki community for all actions, it would be far more prudent for them to address the glaring silence of the Tangkhul apex body-the TNL. The GNF should ask why these leaders have remained passive observers of the violence instigated by the headman of Sikibung along with the CSOs of the southern Tangkhul regions and the NSCN(EF)? What benefit has the southern Tangkhul leadership gained by transforming a minor altercation into a widespread communal conflict?
“The leadership of Kuki CSOs stands unwavering in its commitment to peace, guided by the principles of Christianity and a deep respect for human dignity. However, this commitment to peace has regrettably not been met with the same sincerity or resolve from the other side” added the statement issued by the Department of Information and Media, Kuki CSO Working Committee, Ukhrul.
