Kuki militants allowed to escape, alleges FNCC

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Jun 24 : The Foothills Naga Coordination Committee (FNCC) has alleged that around 100 Kuki terrorists have been allowed to escape after they were effectively encircled by security forces.  
The FNCC as well as the Naga People’s Organisation (NPO) have expressed shock, outrage and profound disappointment over the ineffectiveness of the security operation reportedly conducted by the CoBRA Unit of the CRPF and Assam Rifles in the Leilon Vaiphei area on June 21, 2026 against Kuki narco-terrorist groups belonging to KNF(P), UKNA and KRA.
Reports indicate that security forces engaged in an exchange of gunfire and used explosives after coming under attack from the Kuki terrorists.
More significantly, nearly 100 armed terrorist groups of KNF(P), UKNA and KRA were reportedly surrounded, presenting a rare opportunity to apprehend individuals involved in the abduction of 18 Naga civilians and the brutal killing of six innocent Nagas.
However, instead of resulting in arrests and accountability, the operation shifted toward a negotiated surrender following intervention of the Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen, wife of Thangboi Kipgen @ ST Semtinthang (Chairman/President of a terrorist group called UPF/KNF-P), alleged a statement issued by the FNCC.
It said that frantic phone calls were allegedly made to senior political and security authorities, including the Director General of Assam Rifles, the GOC of 57 Mountain Division, Leimakhong and Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh.
Deadlines were fixed and repeatedly extended, yet no meaningful outcome emerged.
“The most disturbing aspect is that the operation was eventually withdrawn despite the Kuki narco-terrorists having been effectively encircled. Consequently, the armed terrorists were allowed to escape and relocate to the KNF(P) Ebenezer Camp and adjoining areas”, it alleged.
This raises serious questions regarding the intent, execution and outcome of the operation, the FNCC said.
Asking who ordered the withdrawal of troops, the FNCC said that the people deserve clear and unequivocal answers.
The public cannot be expected to believe that such a large group of armed terrorists simply disappeared despite the presence of elite security forces.
This has deepened public suspicion that the operation was designed to hoodwink the public without delivering justice, it said.
Despite widespread knowledge of the involvement of Kuki terrorists and their hideouts, no visible effort has been made to ensure those involved in the abduction of 18 Naga civilians and the brutal killing of six innocent Nagas were apprehended and prosecuted. The withdrawal of this much-anticipated operation has severely damaged public confidence and created a perception that Kuki narco-terrorist groups enjoy protection or immunity from decisive action, it said.
Such perceptions can only be dispelled through transparency, accountability and concrete results, the FNCC asserted.
“The people of Manipur deserve justice. They deserve security forces that act decisively against those who terrorize innocent civilians. If the CoBRA unit of CRPF, the Assam Rifles and other Central security forces cannot handle Kuki narco-terrorist groups, leave it to the Nagas. We will handle it”, it added.
The NPO has also decried that no arrests have been made nor has the operation produced any visible or meaningful outcome despite the large scale operation.
The eventual withdrawal of the security forces has raised serious concerns and prompted questions regarding the intent of the operation, said a press release issued by the NPO.
Again, no arrests were made even though there were reports that a considerable number of security personnel moved towards the “pucca nomadic, narco-terrorist, refugee Kuki, KNF-P Ebenezer Camp” on June 23.
Reminding that the mortal remains of the six innocent Naga civilians who were abducted and later butchered are still lying in the JNIMS mortuary, awaiting justice, the NPO has appealed to all Indian security forces to ensure transparency, accountability and impartial enforcement of the law.
Vehemently condemning the excessive use of force against protesters at Namdilong-Kanglatongbi in the wee hours of June 24, the NPO warned that the Naga people will be compelled to intensify their democratic agitation even to the extent of interrupting movement of military convoys and military supplies if the security forces continue to resort to such high-handed actions against peaceful protesters in the future.