The Committee on Protection of Indigenous Peoples’ Ancestral Land (COPIPAL), through its Media Cell, has strongly condemned what it described as unethical, arbitrary and unbecoming conduct by personnel of the 8th Gorkha Regiment stationed at Leimakhong. The organisation said the incident took place on February 7, 2026, at around 12.30 pm.
In a press release, COPIPAL alleged that innocent Naga civilians were unlawfully stopped at Chingmang, Leimakhong, while returning to their respective villages after attending a church conference. The organisation claimed that the security personnel concerned were acting at the behest of Kuki militants operating in the area, thereby raising serious concerns over the neutrality of the forces.
According to the statement, security personnel allegedly informed the Naga civilians that the gate could not be opened as there was “no order from the Kuki leaders.” COPIPAL said such a statement, if true, is deeply alarming and calls into question the integrity, impartiality and constitutional mandate of the Indian security forces. The organisation said any perception that security forces are taking instructions from non-state actors is unacceptable in a democratic system governed by the rule of law.
The committee further alleged that armed Kuki militants are moving openly with sophisticated weapons in broad daylight in areas including Hengjang, L Champhai, Leilon, Haraothel, Phaijang and Kharam Vaiphei villages, allegedly under the watch of security forces. COPIPAL claimed that despite this, no action has been taken against the militants, and instead, they are being allowed to operate freely under the pretext of a self-declared “buffer zone.”
Strongly condemning what it termed acts of anarchy, partisanship and unconstitutional behaviour, COPIPAL called upon all concerned citizens to denounce such actions. The organisation appealed to the Manipur government to take immediate and decisive steps against armed militants operating in the foothill areas and to ensure the restoration of law and order, justice and constitutional governance in the region.