Kangpokpi/Moreh, Jan 27, 2026 The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) and the Hill Tribal Council (HTC), Moreh, have strongly condemned the burning of K. Songlung Village in Kangpokpi district on January 26, calling the incident a grave act of violence that occurred on the day India marked its 77th Republic Day.
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| Charred remains of homes and a vehicle are seen after a fire gutted parts of the village, leaving widespread destruction and debris. |
In a press release issued on Tuesday, the KZC described the incident as a “dark episode” that violated the spirit and values of the Republic. It stated that the village was set ablaze allegedly by the Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF–Kamson faction), which reportedly claimed responsibility around noon, citing allegations of poppy cultivation and land-related issues.
The KZC rejected the justification offered for the attack, asserting that any such allegations should be addressed through lawful authorities such as the police and district administration. It termed the burning of an entire village as an act of taking the law into one’s own hands and a deliberate attempt to destroy a community, its homes, and its dignity.
Highlighting the broader context of the ongoing crisis in Manipur, the KZC stated that since May 3, 2023, more than 7,000 Kuki-Zo houses have been destroyed and over 150 lives lost. It added that despite the imposition of President’s Rule in the state, the Kuki-Zo people continue to face targeted attacks, reflecting what it called a failure of governance and security.
The Council demanded immediate deployment of adequate security forces to protect lives and property, compensation for affected families, and swift arrest and punishment of those responsible, in accordance with the law. It further reiterated its appeal to the Government of India to consider the demand for a separate administrative arrangement in the form of a Union Territory with legislature as a long-term solution to ensure peace and security.
Meanwhile, the Hill Tribal Council, Moreh, representing various civil society organisations, also condemned the incident in the strongest terms. In its press statement, the HTC described the act as “inhuman and barbaric,” noting that K. Songlung is a notified and legally recognised hill village.
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The HTC observed that while the country celebrated Republic Day with a spirit of unity, the incident deeply hurt the sentiments of the Kuki-Zo people. It urged both the state and central governments to take effective action against the perpetrators to prevent recurrence of such incidents and appealed to communities to resist attempts to spread communal hatred.
The Council warned that if justice is not delivered through appropriate government action, it would extend full cooperation to any form of democratic agitation, along with other tribal bodies, to ensure justice for the affected villagers.
Security agencies have not yet issued an official statement on arrests or further action related to the incident.
