Konsakhul VA alleges armed assault, abduction by Kuki militants
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, April 05 2025: Konsakhul Village Authority has condemned what it described as a premeditated and brutal assault on villagers by armed Kuki militants allegedly posing as civilians and volunteers, supported by personnel from Leimakhong police station.

The incident reportedly occurred around 12:15 pm on Saturday, leaving five villagers injured and subsequently abducted.

According to a statement of the village authority published by Ukhrul Times, a large number of Kuki militants descended upon Konsakhul village while villagers were engaged in peaceful agricultural and construction work.

The attackers, the statement claimed, were escorted by ASI Kamgin Veiphei of Leimakhong PS, who is accused of facilitating the violence rather than preventing it.

Konsakhul VA alleges armed assault, abduction by Kuki militants

The village authority asserted that this violent episode was not an isolated act but the culmination of escalating tensions and administrative bias.

On April 4, a day prior to the attack, a police team led by ASI Kamgin arrived at a construction site in the village and presented a photocopied order allegedly issued by the Kangpokpi district magistrate.

The document claimed that a curfew had been imposed in Konsakhul with retrospective effect from April 2.Village leaders informed the police that halting construction midway would incur significant financial losses, as the JCB operators had been hired on daily wages.

Despite efforts to negotiate, ASI Kamgin allegedly insisted that the representatives report to the police station, which the council declined due to the urgency of the ongoing work.

The following day, the situation escalated dramatically.

ASI Kamgin allegedly returned with four to five police personnel and hundreds of Kuki militants, who encircled and attacked the village.

Among those grievously injured were village chairman Adam Dirinamai, village chief Aim-son Abonmai, and others namely Ch Paramchamdin, Ab Widinbou, and Th Aloipu.

The injured were reportedly abducted by the assailants in private vehicles.

The village authority expressed grave concern over the role of ASI Kamgin, alleging a conflict of interest, as he hails from Leilon Vaiphei - a Kuki village with historical tensions against Konsakhul.

They believe the incident was pre-planned, executed with intent to terrorise, and enabled by biased elements within the administration.

The statement demanded immediate suspension and criminal investigation of ASI Kamgin Veiphei, disciplinary action against district magistrate for arbitrarily imposing the curfew.

Meanwhile, sources said that the village chief, chairman and secretary were kidnapped by Kuki militants.

Village chief Aimson Abonmei (60) son of late Lenpu Abonmai, and village chairman Adam Derinamai (45) son of Tombou Derinamei were admitted at RIMS hospital while the rest were treated at Khurkhul PHC.

A team of Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) led by its convenor visited Khuraijam Athouba visited RIMS and spoke with village chief, who is undergoing treatment at the hospital.

According to Konsakhul VA member Ch Jonathan Liangmai, drones were seen hovering over the area while villagers were at work, shortly after which a mob armed with swords, clubs, and slingshots stormed the area.

Around nine villagers, including the village chief and chairman, sustained injuries during the attack.

No security forces came at the time to intervene, and they arrived only after the situation had deescalated.

The incident drew strong condemnation from Rongmei Naga Council Imphal vice-chairman Athon Gangmei.

Social activist Ashang Kasar also expressed shock, stating he never imagined such an incident could take place.

He emphasised that, according to Naga customary law, village chiefs and chairmen are held in high esteem, and any assault on them is not only a violation of tradition but also a direct affront to the Naga community.

Describing the attack as an open threat to the Naga tribe, Ashang Kasar said that if there were any issues with Konsakhul village, the matter should have been taken to court rather than resorting to violence.

The latest incident came amid growing tensions in the area.

On March 28, a violent clash erupted between Konsakhul and Leilon Vaiphei villages over a land dispute, with reports of stone pelting and injuries on both sides.

The incident was triggered by an alleged road blockade by Vaiphei villagers intended to prevent Konsakhul residents from passing through their area, further exacerbating existing animosities.

Earlier on April 3, another incident involving suspected Kuki militants occurred around 40 kilometres from Konsakhul.

According to villagers of Tumuyon Khullen, a group of 30 to 40 armed individuals from Valpabung village attacked Kazanga, a Maram tribal village, and set more than 10 houses on fire.

Property losses were estimated at over Rs 20 lakh.

The attack has raised fears of escalating ethnic tension.