The Thawai Kuki Village Authority categorically rejects and strongly refutes the allegations contained in the press communiqué issued by the Sikibung (Sharkaphung) Village Authority and the subsequent statement released by Khanuithot Khon on 18 July 2026. In our view, both statements present a selective and one-sided narrative that ignores the broader history of violence, insecurity, and displacement experienced by the Kuki community in the Litan-Phungyar region.
The allegation that armed Kuki militants unlawfully entered Sikibung Village for illegal fishing and attempted to murder Mr. Abner Kasar is not supported by any publicly available judicial finding or independent investigation.
The Village Authority believes the allegations were fabricated to tarnish the reputation of Thawai Kuki Village and the Kuki community. The Authority further observes that the alleged incident appears more likely to be linked to internal rivalries between cadres reportedly affiliated with NSCN (Muivah) and NSCN (Eastern Flank) rather than any involvement of Thawai Kuki villagers. These competing claims warrant an impartial investigation based on credible evidence.
The Village Authority further notes that Sikibung (Sharkaphung) and Thawai Tangkhul (Thoyee) – which Kuki customary authorities regard as settlements established on the traditional land of Thawai Kuki Village – have repeatedly been identified in representations submitted by Kuki civil society organisations as alleged operational bases of NSCN (Muivah), NSCN (Eastern Flank) led by Hangshi Ramsan, and other armed groups alleged to have maintained operational links with Meitei militant organisations.
Against this backdrop, members of the Kuki community have expressed concern that the impugned press communiqué was intended to malign Kuki villages, divert attention from earlier incidents of violence, and promote a false narrative. These allegations require an independent, impartial, and transparent investigation.
The Thawai Kuki Village Authority recalls that on 18 August 2023, Mr. Thangkhokai Haokip (35), Mr. Hollenson Baite (23), and Mr. Jamkhogin Haokip (27) were killed during an armed attack on Thawai Kuki Village. According to Kuki organisations, the attack was allegedly carried out by Meitei insurgents in collaboration with the Tangkhul-led MNRF (Aleng). Neither the Sikibung Village Authority nor Khanuithot Khon publicly condemned these killings or expressed sympathy to the victims’ families.
The Village Authority also recalls the 8 February 2026 violence at Litan Sareikhong, during which Kuki organisations allege that a group from Sikibung Village attempted to burn Kuki houses, fired weapons near Litan Police Station, and later set several Kuki homes ablaze.
Likewise, on 11 March 2026, cadres allegedly affiliated with NSCN (Muivah) and NSCN (Eastern Flank) reportedly attacked Kuki farmers near Thawai Kuki Village, resulting in the abduction and subsequent killing of Mr. Thangboimang Lunkim and Mr. Thenkhogin Baite, while several others were injured.
On 17 February 2026, a round of gunfire was also reportedly fired from the direction of Sikibung Village towards Mongkot Chepu Government High School, further heightening fear among neighbouring Kuki villages.
Against this background, the Thawai Kuki Village Authority finds it regrettable that both the Sikibung Village Authority and Khanuithot Khon have chosen to focus exclusively on allegations against Kuki individuals while remaining silent regarding the reported killings, abductions, arson, forced displacement, and other violence allegedly suffered by Kuki civilians.
The Authority further rejects the repeated use of the term “Kuki narco-terrorists” and any attempt to collectively stigmatise an entire ethnic community. Criminal liability is individual in nature and must be determined only through credible investigation, due process, and judicial determination. It cannot be attributed to an entire community.
The Thawai Kuki Village Authority reiterates its commitment to peace, customary dialogue, coexistence, and the rule of law. It calls upon the Government of India, the Government of Manipur, and all competent investigative agencies to conduct an independent, impartial, and transparent investigation into all incidents affecting both Kuki and Tangkhul civilians and to hold those responsible accountable in accordance with law.
Finally, the Village Authority urges all village authorities, civil society organisations, and community leaders to refrain from issuing inflammatory or unverified statements that may aggravate ethnic tensions. Lasting peace can only be achieved through truth, accountability, justice, mutual respect, and constructive dialogue.
