The United Naga Council in no uncertain terms condemns the continuing, premeditated, and cowardly targeting of innocent civilians by armed Kuki militants in Manipur.
The press statement of UNC reads, “we are shocked by the barbaric and cold-blooded murder of innocent Meitei brethren by armed Kuki militants at Sunurok Uyok, Khongbal Tangkhul at around 9:30 AM on Monday, 19th October 2026. According to sources, the victims-unarmed civilians and farmers by profession-had gone to collect firewood when they were ambushed in a premeditated attack at Khongbal Sunurok Uyok hills, claiming the lives of three civilians, namely Arubam Ronil, Lairenlakpam Inaobi, and Ksh. Sushil, who succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment, took the death toll to three and sustained two serious injuries.
“This is not an isolated case. This heinous act is part of a dangerous and expanding pattern. In a separate incident, innocent Nepalese civilians travelling along the Imphal-Ukhrul National Highway were also deliberately targeted and attacked by the Kuki militants. The victims had a miraculous escape; they survived what could have been another deadly tragedy. To open fire upon farmers, upon daily wage earners who feed their families, is an act of utmost cowardice, a gross violation of human rights, and a crime against humanity.
“The targeting of Meiteis in their fields and Nepalese on the public highway proves that no civilian, no traveler, and no community is safe. Public highways, which are lifelines for all, are being turned into hunting grounds. These excessive acts of terror orchestrated by the Kuki militants have gone way beyond limits.
“This is not a conflict. This is terrorism against civilians. It is a gross violation of human rights, a crime against humanity, and a deliberate and utter provocation to all peace-loving communities in the state of Manipur. The systematic targeting of farmers in their fields and travelers on the highway is designed to terrorize the civilians and is a deliberate attempt to provoke, to destabilize, and to derail the very idea of peaceful coexistence.
“The Council mourn the loss of our brethren who were brutally slain at Khongbal and shares the grief of their families and extends our prayers and moral support to the injured individuals of the Khongbal incident and the two Nepalese who got injured in the attack at Highway-202 for their speedy and full recovery.”
The Council demands that the government, both state and central, immediately:
I. Arrest and prosecute the perpetrators of both the Khongbal killings and the highway attack.
II. Ensure immediate and proper security for farmers and for all travelers along the Imphal-Ukhrul and all National Highways.
III. Deliver justice swiftly for the slain brothers.
“We seek the intervention of the government for the safety of every civilian, for the sanctity of our highways and our farmlands, and for justice without delay.
“The council extends its full moral support and solidarity to the people’s movement for justice and to all victims of such targeted violence” added the statement issued by H. James Hau, Information & Publicity Secretary, UNC.
