Manipur: Patleijang hamlet gutted in pre-dawn arson, Kuki body alleges security failure

Patleijang hamlet in Manipur’s Ukhrul district was reduced to ashes in a pre-dawn arson attack allegedly carried out by NSCN(IM) cadres, prompting the Working Committee of Kuki Civil Society Organisations (WCKCSOs), Ukhrul, to question the failure of security arrangements and demand accountability.

According to the committee, the attack on Patleijang, a hamlet of Chepu Yaolen, began around 1 am on October 20. It alleged that NSCN(IM) cadres operating from Sikibung, Leingangching and TM Kasom were involved in the incident.

The committee further claimed that around three rounds were fired from automatic weapons after the hamlet was set ablaze, describing the incident as a serious escalation and questioning how the attackers could operate despite the security presence in nearby areas.

WCKCSOs-Ukhrul said it had repeatedly appealed for permanent security deployment to protect Patleijang and Chepu Yaolen. It also questioned the delay in the Border Security Force (BSF) deployment scheduled for October 19, which, according to the committee, took place only on October 20.

The committee asked whether the delay had provided an opportunity for the alleged attackers to carry out the arson. It also questioned how the hamlet could be destroyed despite the presence of the BSF at TM Kasom, the Army at Leingangching, and the BSF, CRPF and Litan Police at Litan Sareikhong.

“Are NSCN(IM) cadres invincible, or has the security apparatus been compromised?” the committee asked, demanding an explanation from the authorities.

The committee also raised concerns over what it described as unequal treatment of Kuki-Zo civilians by security and investigative agencies. It cited the handling of the alleged killing of two Kuki-Zo water-pipe repairers, which it said had not received the same urgency as another case related to the April 18, 2026 incident.

WCKCSOs-Ukhrul also expressed concern over the summoning of village chiefs, social workers and student leaders, alleging that such actions had fuelled fears of selective scrutiny and intimidation within Kuki-Zo communities.

The committee said the circumstances surrounding the arson had deepened suspicions among affected residents about possible protection or indulgence for NSCN(IM) elements by people within the state and Central governments. It urged the authorities to address these concerns through concrete action.

The committee has demanded an immediate explanation for the delayed BSF deployment, permanent security arrangements for Patleijang and Chepu Yaolen, and action to identify and prosecute those responsible for the arson.

It warned that the destruction of Patleijang must serve as a wake-up call for the authorities and urged the governments of Manipur and India to strengthen civilian protection and prevent further attacks.

The allegations against NSCN(IM) cadres and the claims of security failure are based on the committee’s statement and have not been independently verified.