Kangpokpi, Jan 26: Two prominent civil society bodies - the Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU) and the Sadar Hill Chiefs’ Association (SAHILCA) - have strongly condemned the alleged torching of K. Songlung (II) village in Kangpokpi, calling it a grave breakdown of security and governance amid Republic Day celebrations.
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| A house engulfed in flames at K. Songlung village in Kangpokpi district, Manipur, following an attack |
In separate press statements issued on January 26, the organisations accused the Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) faction of carrying out acts of intimidation and arson in Kuki-Zo villages, including K. Songlung (II), and alleged that the village was targeted under the pretext of action against poppy cultivation.
COTU stated that while the nation marked the 77th Republic Day, the Kuki-Zo community in Sadar Hills faced heightened insecurity and repeated threats. It said the daylight razing of K. Songlung (II) raised serious questions about the preparedness of authorities and the constitutional responsibility of the Governor to contain elements disturbing peace in the region. The body warned that continued inaction would amount to collusion with “gangsters” and issued an ultimatum demanding the apprehension of the perpetrators within 24 hours. Failing this, COTU announced a total shutdown of NH-2 and NH-37 from midnight of January 27 to midnight of January 28, 2026.
SAHILCA, in its statement, said it was “shocked” by ZUF’s claimed responsibility for harassment, terrorising residents and burning houses in Kangchup Songlung (II). The association asserted that K. Songlung village - under K. Geljang sub-division and PS New Keithelmanbi - is a recognised Kuki village under traditional chieftainship and has never cultivated poppy. It accused ZUF of falsely claiming legitimacy for “terrorist acts,” including blindfolding village elders and burning homes.
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The chiefs’ body announced a 24-hour window for ZUF to surrender before SAHILCA and compensate villagers for property loss and psychological trauma. It warned that failure to comply would compel civil society organisations in Kangpokpi district to take necessary steps to ensure justice.
Both organisations urged the Government of Manipur to take immediate and effective action to restore security, protect civilians, and uphold the rule of law in the hill districts.
