Repeatedly bombarded Sinakeithei urges deployment of additional MR men
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 20 2026:
Citing escalating tension amid persistent militant attacks on civilians, the Sinakeithei Village Authority has urged the State Government to deploy additional Manipur Rifles personnel at Sinakeithei village.
In a memorandum submitted to Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand through Ukhrul MLA Ram Muivah today, the village authority said the situation in Sinakeithei is "rapidly deteriorating" with heavily armed Kuki militants intensifying attacks on civilians.
The village faced fresh attacks yesterday, and armed Kuki militants have occupied the Lungter hill area.
They have dug trenches, established camps and bunkers, and are continuing to launch attacks while attempting to advance towards the village, said the Sinakeithei village authority in the memorandum.
Persistent attacks by Kuki militants have disrupted normal life and put the safety and survival of the villagers at serious risk, it said, detailing the sequence of events that have occurred in the village.
On February 23, 2026, a person, Rasheng Awungshi, was abducted at gunpoint.
The same day the Lungter hill range was set on fire, and one Kingson Muivah was chased and fired upon, the village authority (VA) said.
On March 7, farmers tending to their fields were fired upon unprovoked.
The first major armed attack occurred on March 12 .
Militants, armed with sophisticated weapons, launched an attack and advanced within 300 meters of the village before being repelled by security forces and village volunteers, said the VA.
Intermittent firing continued from March 15 to March 18, and even Sunday (Church) services were disrupted, causing fear among villagers, it said.
March 19 saw a second major attack which began at 11 am.
Sinakeithei village faced attacks from three directions, and it lasted till 3.30 am the next day, said the VA.
On March 21, a mother and her son were fired upon and trapped in the field for over four hours before being rescued by the Mahar Regiment.
The firing continued till the next morning, it added.
March 25 and 26 saw sporadic firing from bunkers, creating fear psychosis among villagers.
On April 4, attacks were launched from different directions with the militants advancing dangerously close to the village.
The attack continued till next morning, said the VA.
The heaviest attacks on the Sinakeithei village came on April 6 and April 7 with militants using advanced weapons and firing explosives from multiple directions.
The attacks were eventually repelled by security forces, said the VA.
Sinakeithei village was again attacked yesterday (April 19) from all directions.
The militants fired bombs and the attack lasted hours, it added.
At present, militants have occupied the Lungter hill area, establishing camps, trenches, and bunkers.
They continue to launch attacks attempting to advance towards the village, the VA added.
"All these incidents have severely crippled life in Sinakeithei.
The people no longer feel safe in their own homes.
With the use of bombs and heavy weaponry, fear has gripped the entire village, forcing residents to live in a constant state of anxiety and uncertainty," said the village authority.
The most vulnerable groups, the sick, the elderly, and children are particularly affected, with many suffering deep mental trauma and distress.
Daily life has been disrupted, livelihoods have been threatenec and the community is struggling to cope under the relentless pressure of ongoing violence, it said, appealing to the Chief Minister to deploy additional Manipur Rifles personnel in the village.
"The present security arrangements are proving inadequate against the scale and frequency of the attacks, and without urgent reinforcement, the situation may spiral beyond control," said the VA.
Additional Manipur Rifles personnel should be deployed immediately in Sinakeithei to ensure the safety of innocent villagers, safeguard lives and property, and prevent any further escalation of violence, it said, seeking swift action.
The people of Sinakeithei are living in constant fear and distress, and they look up to the Government for protection and assurance.
"Your timely intervention will not only restore a sense of security but also reaffirm the faith of the villagers in the administration," said the VA to the Chief Minister.
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