Imphal | Two Kuki organisations have condemned separate incidents of violence in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district, alleging that the attacks on Leplen and Taphou Kuki villages could undermine recent efforts to restore peace in the violence-hit state.

The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), Sadar Hills, and the Ihang-Bungpi Working Committee issued separate statements condemning an alleged armed attack at Leplen village and an arson incident at Taphou Kuki village.

The organisations alleged that the incidents were linked to armed activities by cadres of the NSCN (IM), with the CoTU also alleging the involvement of members of the Liangmei community. The allegations could not be independently verified.

The CoTU claimed that the incidents were retaliatory in nature and followed recent government action against an alleged illegal checkpoint at Namdilong.

The organisation said measures taken by the state government under Chief Minister Y Khemchand had shown some signs of progress towards restoring law and order, and warned that fresh violence could derail those efforts. The CoTU urged the Centre and the state government to take decisive action against what it described as the operational activities of NSCN (IM) cadres in the hill districts.

It also called for action against leaders of the United Naga Council (UNC) and the Sadar Hills District Sports Association (SDSA), alleging that certain individuals and organisations were contributing to tensions through public statements and mobilisation.

“If the Government of India and the state are sincere towards their peace mission, decisive action must be taken against forces seeking to destabilise the hill regions,” the organisation said.

The CoTU also raised allegations regarding a security operation at J Songtun early Monday. It claimed that security personnel assaulted women and elderly residents during the operation and called for security measures to be carried out impartially while ensuring the protection of civilians.

Meanwhile, the Ihang-Bungpi Working Committee alleged that NSCN (IM) cadres carried out an armed attack on Leplen village at around 12.20 am on Monday, injuring a civilian. According to the committee, armed personnel stationed at Seneikethil village entered the Leplen area and opened fire at villagers and local travellers. It described the incident as an attack on civilians.

The committee claimed that security forces had been withdrawn from Leplen around six days before the incident, while a substantial deployment remained at nearby Seneikethil. It alleged that the move left Leplen and Songmun Kuki villages with inadequate security cover.

Questioning the deployment pattern, the committee alleged that the arrangement amounted to selective security and left some villages vulnerable to attacks.

It demanded the immediate arrest of those responsible for the Leplen incident and sought the urgent redeployment of adequate Central security forces in Leplen and Songmun. The committee also called for equal protection of civilians and property, irrespective of their location or community identity.

Warning of the possibility of further violence, it said the government would be responsible for any subsequent loss of life or property if immediate preventive measures were not taken.

Both organisations reiterated their support for peace and security but warned that fresh attacks and what they described as uneven security arrangements could deepen fear among civilians and further destabilise Manipur’s hill districts.