Sinakeithei sets record straight
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By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Mar 24 : Reacting to reports about around 20 students caught in the crossfire along the Leplen-Tingpibung road yesterday, the Sinakeithei Village Authority has issued a statement "to set the record straight"
About 20 Class X students of Blossom Hebron English School were travelling from Saikul hill town to their respective villages when they were reportedly caught in the middle of a fierce exchange of fire between armed Kuki militants and Tangkhul village volunteers in the area yesterday noon.
None of the students were injured in the incident.
Reacting to the report, the Sinakeithei Village Authority said it has never, in the history of the ongoing Kuki-Naga conflict, initiated gunfire or offensive manoeuvres. "Our involvement in any armed exchange has been, and remains, strictly retaliatory."
Yesterday, the village volunteers retaliated only after the village was fired on by Kuki militants. "The safety of our community necessitates a response to such aggression, but we reiterate that we do not seek out conflict," it said.
On students being caught in the crossfire, the village clarified by giving "two critical points".
Firstly, it said, as of March 12, 2026, the specific route was officially de-sanctioned by the Sinakeithei Village Authority for public use due to heightened security risks.
Secondly, it said the vehicles involved were traversing this path during an active exchange of fire.
While the village responded to militants, these vehicles were unfortunately caught in the middle of a crossfire. Any stray bullets encountered were the result of the proximity to an active combat zone initiated by external militants, it said.
"Sinakeithei Village upholds the sanctity of education and the safety of the student community with the highest regard. We deeply regret the psychological trauma and distress experienced by the students and civilians involved. It is never our intention to put innocent lives at risk," it said.
It urged the public to "respect the travel advisories on the de-sanctioned routes issued by the Village Authority to prevent such harrowing experiences in the future."
IMPHAL, Mar 24 : Reacting to reports about around 20 students caught in the crossfire along the Leplen-Tingpibung road yesterday, the Sinakeithei Village Authority has issued a statement "to set the record straight"
About 20 Class X students of Blossom Hebron English School were travelling from Saikul hill town to their respective villages when they were reportedly caught in the middle of a fierce exchange of fire between armed Kuki militants and Tangkhul village volunteers in the area yesterday noon.
None of the students were injured in the incident.
Reacting to the report, the Sinakeithei Village Authority said it has never, in the history of the ongoing Kuki-Naga conflict, initiated gunfire or offensive manoeuvres. "Our involvement in any armed exchange has been, and remains, strictly retaliatory."
Yesterday, the village volunteers retaliated only after the village was fired on by Kuki militants. "The safety of our community necessitates a response to such aggression, but we reiterate that we do not seek out conflict," it said.
On students being caught in the crossfire, the village clarified by giving "two critical points".
Firstly, it said, as of March 12, 2026, the specific route was officially de-sanctioned by the Sinakeithei Village Authority for public use due to heightened security risks.
Secondly, it said the vehicles involved were traversing this path during an active exchange of fire.
While the village responded to militants, these vehicles were unfortunately caught in the middle of a crossfire. Any stray bullets encountered were the result of the proximity to an active combat zone initiated by external militants, it said.
"Sinakeithei Village upholds the sanctity of education and the safety of the student community with the highest regard. We deeply regret the psychological trauma and distress experienced by the students and civilians involved. It is never our intention to put innocent lives at risk," it said.
It urged the public to "respect the travel advisories on the de-sanctioned routes issued by the Village Authority to prevent such harrowing experiences in the future."