A Kuki civil society body in Manipur’s Ukhrul district has alleged that NSCN(IM) cadres burned down Patleijang hamlet in a pre-dawn arson attack on October 20, and has questioned how the assault could take place despite a heavy security presence in nearby areas. The Working Committee of Kuki Civil Society Organisations (WCKCSOs), Ukhrul, has demanded accountability from security agencies and both the state and Central governments.
According to the committee, the attack on Patleijang, a hamlet of Chepu Yaolen, began around 1 am. It alleged that cadres operating from Sikibung, Leingangching and TM Kasom were involved. The committee claimed that around three rounds were fired from automatic weapons after the hamlet was set ablaze, describing the incident as a serious escalation.
The committee said it had repeatedly appealed for permanent security deployment to protect Patleijang and Chepu Yaolen. It also questioned the delay in a Border Security Force (BSF) deployment scheduled for October 19, which, according to the committee, took place only on October 20 — a gap it asked whether the attackers exploited.
WCKCSOs-Ukhrul further asked 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, saying the case had not received the same urgency as another linked to the April 18, 2026 incident. It additionally expressed concern over the summoning of village chiefs, social workers and student leaders, alleging 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, and urged the authorities to address these concerns through concrete action.
Among its specific demands, the committee called for 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.
The committee warned that the destruction of Patleijang must serve as a wake-up call for the authorities, urging 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.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/manipur/video/manipur-patleijang-hamlet-gutted-in-pre-dawn-arson-kuki-body-alleges-security-failure-1465021-2026-10-20?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2026-10-20 11:51:00
