The Former and Senior Leaders’ Forum of Zeliangrong Civil Organisations (FSLFZCOs) has alleged that armed cadres belonging to Kuki underground groups operating under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement launched a three-day attack on Tazeikaiphun Zeliangrong Naga village in Noney district, triggering an exchange of fire that reportedly left three suspected militants dead.
In a press statement issued today, the forum said the attacks began around 3.30 pm on October 29 and continued intermittently until 4.30 pm on October 31. It alleged that armed groups comprising cadres of the Kuki National Army (KNA), Kuki National Front (KNF), United Tribal Liberation Army (UTLA) and other outfits were involved in the attacks.
According to information cited by the forum, the armed attackers advanced towards the village gate while firing automatic weapons at village guards deployed to protect the settlement. The guards reportedly retaliated in self-defence, resulting in the deaths of three suspected underground cadres, one each allegedly belonging to the KNA, KNF and UTLA.
The deceased were identified in the statement as Thanglensang Singson of Maojang village, Thangkosei Haokip of Thanghibung village and Lamminssang Kipgen of Phaibong village, all reportedly from Thanlon and Henglep subdivisions of Churachandpur district.
The forum further claimed that the attackers used sophisticated foreign-made firearms and heavy explosives. Empty cartridges and bomb splinters recovered from the site, along with a large crater allegedly caused by a heavy bomb explosion, indicated the intensity of the attack, it said. The explosion reportedly missed nearby residential areas.
Describing the incident as the third attack on Tazeikaiphun village during October, the forum expressed concern over the recurring violence against Zeliangrong Naga settlements.
It also criticised the Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), accusing it of attempting to shift responsibility for the violence rather than restraining armed groups belonging to its community. The forum urged KIM to refrain from blaming the Naga community and the government for the actions of underground organisations.
The forum called for an end to what it described as fabricated narratives and demanded accountability for the recurring attacks on Zeliangrong Naga villages.
