Churachandpur, Sept 9: The Thadou Inpi Manipur (TIM) has strongly condemned what it described as a rising wave of violence and lawlessness by Kuki militant groups operating under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement, accusing them of violating the terms of the truce and targeting civilians with impunity.
In a media release issued on Monday, TIM alleged that Kuki groups under the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) were involved in a series of violent incidents across Ukhrul, Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, and Motbung between September 4 and 8.
According to TIM, the reported incidents include:
• Sept 8, Ukhrul District - Armed KLA/KNO militants allegedly frisked bus passengers and opened fire along the Sanakeithel–Imphal road.
• Sept 5, Churachandpur District - Cadres of KNF (MC) allegedly assaulted Henkhopao Haokip, chief of Joujangtek village.
• Sept 7, Motbung - Villagers were compelled to pay ₹200 per household, reportedly collected by COTU, a proxy of Kuki militant groups.
• Sept 4, Kangpokpi District - Hours after the SoO extension was signed in New Delhi, KNF cadres allegedly fired without provocation in Khengjang.
TIM further linked these attacks to the leadership of Jangboi Kipgen, recently elevated as Chairman of the Unified Command of SoO and non-SoO groups, and accused him of directing the operations.
The Thadou body also recalled the killing of Thadou leader Nehkam Jomhao on August 30, calling it an example of the “impunity” with which Kuki groups operate. It criticized the silence of Kuki civil, religious, and political organizations, accusing them of endorsing violence instead of condemning it.
“The peace-loving Thadou people are the greatest victims of this violence, which is driven by a Kuki supremacist agenda,” the release stated, calling the incidents part of a “systematic campaign of ethnic and cultural genocide.”
TIM urged the Government of India and the Manipur state government to act decisively, outlaw law-breaking militant groups, and restore public safety. It warned that appeasing such groups would only prolong instability in the state.
The organization also appealed to the people of Manipur and the rest of India to unite against what it termed “terrorism” and demand accountability from both the militant groups and the government.
