Leisangphai killings trigger Kuki-Zo outrage
Source: The Sangai Express
Kangpokpi, September 16 2026:
The killing of two Kuki-Zo women at Leisangphai village in Tamenglong district has triggered a wave of condemnation from Kuki-Zo political leaders, legislators and civil society organisations, with demands ranging from immediate security measures and prosecution of the perpetrators to independent investigations and decisive action against armed groups.
The two women, identified by the organisations as Kimjalhai Singson, 28, a recent nursing graduate, and Phalneichong Sitlhou, 76, were killed at Leisangphai, also known as Muktokhal, on September 15 while reportedly engaged in routine agricultural activities.
The killings came barely two days after four civilians, including two women, were killed and two others, including a minor, were injured in separate attacks in Tamenglong and Noney districts on September 13, according to the statements issued by Kuki-Zo organisations.
Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen, described the killings of Singson and Sitlhou as "deeply shocking and heartbreaking", saying the loss of two defenseless women to violence was "particularly painful and utterly unacceptable" .
She said the latest incident, coming barely two days after four civilians were killed and two others, including a minor, injured, made the continued targeting of civilians a matter of grave concern.
"The safety of our people must remain paramount," Kipgen said, urging the authorities to take every necessary measure to protect civilians, prevent further attacks and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
She appealed to people from all communities to stand together, maintain peace and not allow the tragedy to deepen hatred, division or further violence.
Saitu MLA Haokholet Kipgen also condemned the "cold-blooded and barbaric" killing of the two women at Leisangphai village.
The MLA alleged that the two women were killed by armed cadres of NSCN (IM) and its proxy ZUF-K .
He urged law-enforcement agencies to take all necessary measures to ensure that such acts of violence are not repeated and that those responsible are brought to justice.
He also appealed to all communities to shun violence and join hands to restore peace and normalcy in the State.
Saikul MLA Kimneo Hangshing also condemned the killing of Singson and Sitlhou.
Hangshing said the alleged involvement of armed cadres of NSCN (IM) and ZUF-K, if established through investigation, would constitute a grave assault on innocent civilian lives.
The MLA questioned how many more innocent lives would have to be lost before decisive preventive and security measures are taken and demanded stronger security for vulnerable civilian populations.
She appealed to citizens and community leaders to exercise restraint and reject attempts to exploit the tragedy to provoke violence or hatred against innocent people.
Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) also alleged that the two women were killed by NSCN (IM) and ZUF (Kamson) .
KIM said six Kuki villagers had been killed over three days, including the two women at Leisangphai and questioned the Centre and the State Government to act immediately and decisively.
It warned that continued attacks on civilians and the alleged failure of authorities to protect them are pushing the situation towards an extremely dangerous point.
KIM demanded immediate Government intervention to stop further attacks, protect vulnerable villages and bring those responsible to justice.
The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) said the "repeated" killings of Kuki-Zo civilians had assumed an "unacceptable and alarming pattern" and could no longer be dismissed as isolated incidents.
The Council called upon the Government of India and the Manipur Government to protect vulnerable civilians, bring perpetrators to justice and take firm, lawful action against armed groups attacking civilians.
Kuki Inpi Jiribam, Tamenglong and Noney also condemned the killings.
It announced that National Highway-37 would remain under complete shutdown until concrete action is taken, and said the mortal remains of the victims would not be accepted for final rites until justice is served.
Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), Kuki Students' Organisation (KSO) City Branches including KSO Shillong, Guwahati, Pune, Hyderabad, Delhi & NCR, Coimbatore, Chennai, Kolkata, Kerala, Chandigarh, Bangalore and Mumbai also expressed their condemnation.
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