Tensions Escalate in Ukhrul District Following Discovery of Missing Villagers
Incident Overview
On March 12, the situation in Ukhrul district worsened after the bodies of two villagers from Thawai Kuki village were discovered. These individuals had been reported missing since the previous day while attempting to fix a water pipeline amidst ongoing tensions along the Ukhrul–Kangpokpi border, according to officials.
During a session in the Manipur Legislative Assembly, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand announced that the case would be referred to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for a comprehensive and unbiased inquiry.
He also mentioned that the families of the deceased would receive ex gratia assistance in accordance with government policies.
The Chief Minister emphasized the government's dedication to ensuring justice, maintaining order, and upholding the rule of law within the state.
Security Measures and Civilian Release
In response to the incident, security forces have heightened their presence in sensitive areas of the district and are actively patrolling vulnerable locations to avert any further escalation of tensions.
This development follows the release of 21 Tangkhul Naga civilians who were detained near Sangkhai village in Ukhrul district. They were freed early Thursday morning after extensive negotiations between the Manipur government and civil society groups from both the Naga and Kuki communities.
The civilians were traveling in three vehicles along the Imphal–Ukhrul road when they were intercepted on Wednesday afternoon at Sangkhai village, close to Litan Police Station.
The individuals who were detained included Sarimaya TS, Masakui Ahum, Reimi Ahum, Thoyao Ahum, and several others whose identities were confirmed by local authorities.
An official stated that the civilians were released around 4 am following intense discussions involving the state government and community organizations.
Ongoing Tensions and Government Response
After their release, the civilians were taken to Litan Police Station, approximately 5 km from Sangkhai, where they were reunited with their families.
Tensions remained elevated on Thursday morning in the Tangkhul Naga-majority district, particularly in regions adjacent to the Kuki-majority Kangpokpi district, with security forces conducting patrols to prevent any incidents.
Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh expressed his concern regarding the troubling situation along the Ukhrul–Imphal Road, where innocent civilians had reportedly been held captive under the jurisdiction of Litan police station.
He urged those responsible to adhere to humanitarian principles and ensure the safe and unconditional release of the civilians.
Singh reassured the public that the government was taking the matter seriously and would take necessary actions against those involved in such cowardly acts.
Allegations and Counterclaims
In a press release issued on Wednesday, the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) accused Kuki militants of abducting the civilians at Shangkai village, labeling the incident as a premeditated act of violence aimed at the Naga community. They demanded that both state and central governments ensure the immediate rescue of the hostages.
The TNL also criticized central security forces for their inaction during the incident and claimed that armed militants had fired upon farmers in the vicinity of Thawai Kuki village, instilling fear in nearby communities.
Conversely, the Sangkhai Village Authority provided a different account, alleging that Tangkhul volunteers had opened fire on farmers working in fields at Thowai Kuki village, leading to the detention of several villagers.
They also claimed that multiple jhum huts belonging to villagers were set ablaze and that two individuals who went to repair a water pipeline were shot at and remain unaccounted for.
According to the village authority, one villager sustained a bullet wound during the incident and was transported to a hospital for medical attention.