'AR on selective bunker destruction drive'
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 03 2026: Even as the Assam Rifles has dismantled and destroyed bunkers in Naga areas, the same Central security force has "refused" to do the same in Kuki areas, the Working Committee, Tangkhul Naga Long has alleged in a statement.

On May 3, Assam Rifles troops from Leingangching (Laho) outpost destroyed the bunkers set up by village volunteers at New Heaven (along the NH 202-A) .

"The Naga community has no objection against such action of the paramilitary forces if it is a step towards restoring peace in our land" .

However, when the villagers of TM Kasom requested to implement similar measures at Yaolen Kuki village, which has been the hotspot of launching attacks on the civilians and vehicles moving along the road connecting Imphal from Ukhrul and Kamjong, the Assam Rifles "bluntly refused" to listen to the plea of Tangkhul Naga villagers, said the Working Committee, TNL .

"In this case, what is the real intention of the Assam Rifles ? The responsible authority must answer this question and be accountable to the people whom they stand to ensure safety and security," it said.

In several instances, Kuki militants under Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement have resorted to armed offensive against the Tangkhul Naga civilians and commuters travelling along the National Highway 202-A, since the outbreak of violent conflict at Litan on February 7, 2026, it asserted.

The latest attack came yesterday from Yaoleni a Kuki village situated across the Thoubal river.

It disrupted vehicular movement along the National Highway in between TM Kasom and New Heaven.

A while later, the Kuki militants also launched an unprovoked offensive against the neighbouring TM Kasom, a Tangkhul Naga village.

"The attack was carried out from Yaolen, where there is a considerable presence of Central security forces to protect the Kuki villagers, who have been waging war against their real landowners," said the committee.

It said the National Highway 202-A, which is an arterial lifeline of the Tangkhul community connecting the two districts, Ukhrul and Kamjong, has been cut-off for nearly three months - following incidents of highjacking of civilian vehicles, abduction of passengers, extortion, armed attacks that cost the lives of two civilians, and wilful imposition of blockade.

Claiming that the attacks occurred despite the presence of a large number of security forces personnel, the committee asked if the forces stationed in Kuki villages are giving a free hand to the militants under SoO pact? "When such armed violence is being carried out, why are the security forces not taking up any measures to intervene and stop such actions? Are the security forces posted at Kuki villages operating in collusion with the Kuki militants, narcoterrorists and illegal immigrant Kukis to harass and attack the innocent Tangkhul Naga civilians?" it asked.

"The Tangkhul Naga Community has been very tolerant and closely observing the "biased" actions of the Central security forces.

The State and Central Government must make their stand clear on this questionable matter and rectify the behaviour and intention of their forces before the situation spirals out of control.

The Government must stop this proxy war being waged against the Nagas," it added.

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