Manipur: United Naga Council Demands Evidence From Kuki Inpi Manipur, Seeks Disarming Of Kuki Militants.

Senapati; May 2026: In a press statement issued yesterday (Monday – 18th May 2026), the United Naga Council (UNC) has questioned the statement issued by Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) following the killing of three Thadou church leaders on May 13th, while also urging the government to take strict action against Kuki militant groups operating under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement. The UNC has criticised allegations circulating on social media accusing Nagas of involvement in the killings, describing such narratives as ‘misleading and divisive’.

The council specifically questioned KIM’s statement, which reportedly named ZUF-Kamson and NSCN-IM as perpetrators shortly after the ambush. According to the UNC, the speed and certainty with which the allegations were made raised serious concerns, and suggested possible prior knowledge of the incident. The UNC called on KIM to publicly furnish concrete evidence to support its allegations and prove the absence of any prior involvement in the incident.

The organisation also raised concerns over the overall security situation in vulnerable Naga-inhabited areas, stating that existing arrangements were inadequate both in terms of manpower and strategic deployment. Calling for stronger measures, the UNC urged state and central authorities to immediately disarm and confine Kuki militant groups operating under the SoO agreement if they were found violating the terms of the pact through unlawful activities or violence.

The council stated that if such groups continued to act in defiance of the agreement, the SoO arrangement should be reconsidered and militants strictly subjected to the rule of law. The UNC has further expressed dissatisfaction with the response of security forces in the aftermath of the killings and the reported hostage-taking incident in the Leimakhong region, noting that major security establishments were located near the affected areas. Reaffirming its stand, the council condemned the killing of the church leaders and said justice and accountability must prevail to restore peace and trust among communities in Manipur.

It may be recalled that as Maverick News 30 had reported, it was on 12th May 2026, Kuki Inpi Manipur had alleged that Kuki church leaders were ambushed by members of the Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF)-Kamson faction and Valley-Based Insurgent Groups (VBIGs) between Kotzim and Kotlen areas.

In a statement posted on social media, the organisation described the incident as an ‘unprovoked aggression’ and warned that the development could lead to a strict blockade of National and State Highways passing through Kuki-dominated areas if the matter is not addressed promptly. Kuki Inpi Manipur had urged the concerned authorities to intervene immediately and resolve the issue at the earliest to prevent further escalation of tensions in the region. However, the organisation did not immediately provide details regarding casualties or injuries in the alleged ambush.

Meanwhile, on April 26th, The Working Committee of the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) has strongly rejected allegations made by Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) regarding the presence of coordinated Meitei–Tangkhul militant activities in Ukhrul district, describing the claims as baseless and misleading.

and a press communiqué issued on April 26, TNL said the allegations made by KIM in its earlier statement titled “Coordinated Meitei-Tangkhul Militant Build-Up Threatens Kuki-Zo Civilians” were fabricated and aimed at misleading the public about the prevailing situation in Manipur.

The organisation alleged that the press release issued by KIM was a ‘gimmick’ intended to attract sympathy by portraying Kukis as victims. TNL further claimed that the ongoing ethnic tensions between Nagas and Kukis were orchestrated with the intention of destabilising Naga-inhabited areas and undermining the Naga struggle for self-determination.

TNL had also alleged that Kuki Suspension of Operations (SoO) groups and other militant groups had been involved in attacks on Tangkhul Naga villages, citing several locations where such incidents were reported.

Rejecting the specific allegation about the presence of Arambai Tenggol members in areas such as Sikibung and Sharkaphung, the organisation said the claims were completely false and lacked any factual basis. The committee further urged the Government of India to take steps to restore peace and normalcy in Ukhrul and Kamjong districts by severing ties with Kuki SoO groups and dismantling SoO camps in the region. TNL maintained that Tangkhul Nagas would continue to defend their land and reiterated its commitment to protecting the rights and security of the community.

Team Maverick.