Imphal, Jan 27, 2026: The Foothills Naga Co-ordination Committee (FNCC) on Tuesday issued a strong press statement rejecting claims that a Kuki village named K. Songlung was burnt, asserting that the incident involved the dismantling of illegal farmhouses linked to poppy cultivation in Naga ancestral land.
 |
| A view of K. Songlung Village before it was torched, showing homes, vehicles and daily life. |
The FNCC said it was “shocked” by statements from certain Kuki civil society organisations and sections of the media, which it described as misreporting the incident. Clarifying its position, the committee stated that the Zeliangrong United Front had claimed to have dismantled and razed at least 37 farmhouses near the Waphong Inthan area, which were allegedly being used for large-scale poppy cultivation employing several labourers.
Refuting assertions by organisations such as the Kuki Organisation for Human Rights Trust (KOHUR), Sadar Hills Chiefs’ Association and the Committee on Tribal Unity, the FNCC said there is no legally recognised village named K. Songlung. Citing the Manipur (Hill Areas Village Authorities) Act, 1956, it stated that a recognised village must have a minimum of 20 households, whereas the structures in question were merely temporary farmhouses.
The committee further claimed that the land originally belonged to an Inpui village known as Tamphoimon, which was abandoned during the Kuki rebellion of 1918 and later came under the jurisdiction of Waphong Inthan Inpui village. According to the FNCC, Kuki settlers allegedly arrived in the area only in 2017, constructed temporary structures and began poppy cultivation, despite repeated warnings from the state government and other organisations.
While stating that it does not condone the destruction of villages, the FNCC maintained that the action was directed solely at illegal poppy-related farmhouses and not against any recognised civilian settlement. It expressed regret over the loss of property but reiterated that the location was not a Kuki village but Naga ancestral land used for unlawful activities.
ALSO READ: Kuki-Zo Council, Hill Tribal Council Condemn Burning of K. Songlung Village on Republic Day
In a separate appeal, the FNCC urged concerned groups to refrain from spreading misinformation and called upon all communities to respect ancestral boundaries and uphold peace. It also alleged continued illegal poppy cultivation in the area, claiming that state and central security forces had destroyed poppy plantations there on November 2, 8 and 20, 2025.
The committee criticised what it described as attempts to fuel inter-communal tension through “misleading narratives” and warned that a 24-hour ultimatum issued by SAHILCA was provocative and could invite conflict. Reaffirming its stance, the FNCC said it remains committed to safeguarding land rights, law and social harmony in Naga areas.
