The Naga People’s Organisation (NPO) has called the authority concerned for proper investigation and to examine the circumstances and possible motives surrounding the arson incident at Kailenjang on 10 August 2026.
The press release issued by NPO stated that “the NPO strongly advises the Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO), Sadar Hills, and all concerned not to point fingers at any individual, community or organisation without credible and verifiable evidence. Responsible organisations must exercise maximum restraint and avoid premature or unsubstantiated allegations that may further aggravate an already sensitive situation.
“Upon learning about the arson incident at Kailenjang, the NPO delegates immediately made efforts to reach the affected site to ascertain the facts and gather detailed information from the ground. The initiative was undertaken in good faith, as the Naga people equally condemn the burning of innocent civilians’ homes and every form of arson.
“However, the NPO goodwill delegation was obstructed by Kuki men and women at the outskirts of Taphou Kuki village and prevented from proceeding further towards the incident site.
“The purpose of the delegation was solely to assess the situation, gather factual information and express solidarity with those affected. Preventing a goodwill delegation from reaching the affected site is deeply concerning and warrants clarification.
“Some women even picked up stones in an apparent attempt to attack the NPO delegates, while some men allegedly surrounded the delegation and adopted an intimidating posture. Such conduct towards a goodwill delegation is unacceptable in any manner.
“The NPO has also received information that a police team led by the Superintendent of Police, Senapati, was also obstructed by the same group of men and women from Taphou Kuki village.This matter should also be investigated by the competent authority.
If not to cover the evidence, why the goodwill mission team and the Police Department be obstructed?
“During its preliminary efforts to ascertain the facts, the NPO received information that Kailenjang is presently a deserted village and that three Kailenjang villagers, including the younger brother of the village Chief, had reportedly returned to the village one day before the incident and were present there when the incident occurred.
“It was further learnt that security personnel deployed in the village had temporarily left the area for routine patrolling and that the incident reportedly occurred approximately 20–25 minutes after their departure.
“According to the preliminary information available to the NPO, no outsiders were reportedly observed entering or leaving the village before or after the incident, apart from the three individuals reportedly taking shelter there.
These circumstances raise questions that require careful and impartial investigation.
“If no outsider was observed entering or leaving the village, the competent investigating authorities must establish, through credible evidence, who were responsible for the arson.
“The NPO is not making any conclusive allegations against the individuals reportedly present in the village. However, given the preliminary information received, their movements, activities and statements before, during and after the incident should be independently examined, along with all other relevant evidence and possible lines of inquiry.
“The investigation should objectively examine all circumstances surrounding the incident, including:
The movements of persons in and around the village. Any possible motive of those three persons present in the village should also be examined objectively by the investigating authorities, including whether there was any intention to obtain government compensation or any other benefit. Such possibilities should not be ruled out before proper investigation.
“The fact that Kailenjang is presently a deserted village and that displaced residents may have limited interest in returning should likewise be considered, where relevant, while examining the circumstances and possible motives surrounding the incident.
“It is unfortunate that the humanitarian gesture extended by the Naga People’s Organisation a few months ago appears to have been forgotten.
“The NPO endorsed and stood in solidarity with the United Naga Council (UNC) for the release of Taphou Kuki villagers who were being held by the Naga Village Guard, Northern Command, following the abduction of 20 Naga civilians, six of whom were subsequently found dead, with their bodies mutilated and dismembered.
“The NPO’s intervention was undertaken purely in the spirit of protecting human life, upholding humanitarian values and maintaining peace, without expecting anything in return. Therefore, the obstruction of the NPO goodwill delegation is deeply regrettable.
“The NPO reiterates that its immediate response to the Kailenjang incident was made in good faith and with the genuine intention of understanding what had happened on the ground.
“The goodwill delegation set aside other important responsibilities and made every effort to reach the affected village immediately after receiving information about the incident. The NPO therefore regrets that its efforts to ascertain the truth were obstructed.
“The NPO strongly condemns the burning of innocent civilians’ homes and every act of arson against civilians, irrespective of their community or identity. Such acts are completely unacceptable and must be investigated impartially.
“The NPO once again advises the KSO, Sadar Hills to exercise restraint and refrain from making allegations against any individual, community or organisation without credible and verifiable evidence.
“At a time when the situation remains highly sensitive, irresponsible accusations can deepen mistrust and tension between communities.
“The NPO remains committed to truth, justice, peace, humanitarian values and the protection of innocent civilians, irrespective of community or identity.
The Naga People’s Organisation also equally condemns the arson at Kailenjang in the strongest terms and calls upon the competent authorities to conduct a fair, impartial and transparent investigation through credible evidence, identify the actual perpetrators and ensure that justice is delivered in accordance with law” added the statement issued by the Naga People’s Organisation (NPO)
Senapati.
