LNCM questions free movement of SoO cadres
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 13 2026: The working committee of the Liangmai Naga Council Manipur (LNCM) have questioned how armed cadres of Kuki militant groups under Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement, who are legally bound to remain confined to their designated camps, are allowed to roam openly with arms.

A statement issued by the LNCM working committee has expressed strongest condemnation and alarm over a series of grave, unlawful, and terror-inducing acts perpetrated by armed cadres of the Kuki National Front (KNF), a SoO group under the United People's Front (UPF), against the peaceful and unarmed residents of Ireng Naga village, Kangpokpi district.

On the night of January 11, 2026, fully armed KNF/UPF cadres, dressed in combat uniforms and carrying automatic weapons, openly violating SoO ground rules, illegally entered Ireng (Puilong) Naga village.

The armed cadres vandalized public property, destroyed a community waiting shed and village materials, and desecrated the village memorial stone by writing provocative slogans such as "Kukiland" and "Stay Away" .

These acts constitute deliberate ethnic intimidation, territorial provocation and psychological terror against the indigenous Naga population, the working committee said.

The situation escalated on January 12, 2026 following a peaceful road blockade by villagers on Ireng road, demanding protection and justice.

At around 11 am, an individual identifying himself as Tiger Kipgen, also known as Thangboi Kipgen/Haogenthang Kipgen, reportedly a commander of KNF, contacted the Ireng village Chairman via WhatsApp and subsequent mobile calls.

He allegedly issued explicit threats of attacking Ireng village and burning down the entire village, amounting to criminal intimidation and credible threats to civilian life, it said.

Later in the afternoon, 30-40 heavily armed KNF/UPF cadres were reportedly sighted advancing towards Ireng Naga village in full combat gear, creating widespread panic and fear of an imminent armed assault on defenceless civilians, the LNCM working committee said.

It said that these incidents are not isolated law and order issues but reflect systematic violations of the SoO agreement, criminal conspiracy, intimidation, destruction of property, and acts that threaten communal harmony, Constitutional order and National security.

It questioned how cadres of SoO militant groups are allowed to roam openly with arms, perpetrate vandalism, issue death threats, and mobilize for a potential mass attack, in blatant violation of SoO norms and without any deterrent action.

It also questioned why repeated and blatant violations of SoO ground rules have not resulted in immediate disarmament and legal action.

It went on to ask how the safety of innocent civilians can be ensured when armed groups openly challenge the rule of law.

Saying that the residents of Ireng (Puilong) village are living under constant and credible fear of imminent violence, the LNCM working committee warned that any further delay in decisive intervention risks irreversible escalation and bloodshed.

The LNCM then urged the Government for immediate registration of FIRs against Tiger Kipgen and all identifiable KNF/UPF cadres involved under relevant provisions of the IPC, UAPA and other applicable laws.

It has also demanded immediate transfer of the case to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for an independent, impartial, and time-bound investigation into the Ireng village incident and broader SoO violations.

The LNCM has further urged the Government for deployment of adequate Central and State security forces to secure Ireng Naga village, ensure civilian safety, and prevent any armed incursion; disarmament, arrest and prosecution of the offending cadres and revocation of SoO privileges for groups repeatedly violating ground rules and a clear public clarification from the competent authorities that SoO protections do not extend to armed criminality, ethnic intimidation, or terror activities.

Saying that this is a red-alert appeal for protection and justice, the LNCM has urged the authorities to act decisively to uphold the Constitution, protect innocent lives and prevent larger ethnic conflict.

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