UKHRUL, October 20, 2026: The United Naga Council (UNC) has strongly condemned the killing of three Meitei civilians at Khongbal Sunurok Uyok hills on October 19, alleging that the incident was part of a wider pattern of targeted attacks on innocent civilians in Manipur. The council has demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the killings and a separate attack on civilians travelling along the Imphal–Ukhrul National Highway.
In a press statement issued on October 19, the UNC expressed shock over the killing of three civilians, identified as Arubam Ronil, Lairenlakpam Inaobi and Ksh. Sushil. According to the statement, the victims, who were reportedly farmers, had gone to collect firewood when they were ambushed at around 9:30 am at Khongbal Sunurok Uyok hills. Ksh. Sushil reportedly succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment, bringing the death toll to three, while two others sustained serious injuries.
The council attributed the attack to armed Kuki militants and alleged that the killings were premeditated. These allegations were made by the UNC in its statement.
The UNC further referred to a separate incident in which Nepalese civilians travelling along the Imphal–Ukhrul National Highway were allegedly targeted and attacked. According to the council, the victims survived the incident, although two Nepalese civilians sustained injuries.
Describing the incidents as a grave threat to civilian safety, the UNC said that attacks on farmers in their fields and travellers on public highways had heightened concerns over the security of ordinary people. It warned that such violence could undermine peaceful coexistence among communities in Manipur.
The council stated that the incidents went beyond the bounds of ordinary conflict and characterised the alleged targeting of civilians as terrorism and a violation of human rights. It also expressed concern that such attacks could provoke further tensions and destabilise efforts towards peace.
Condemning the loss of lives at Khongbal, the UNC extended its condolences to the bereaved families and expressed solidarity with the injured victims. It also conveyed its prayers and moral support for the speedy recovery of those injured in both incidents.
The council has called upon both the state and central governments to take immediate action on three key demands: arrest and prosecute those responsible for the Khongbal killings and the highway attack; ensure adequate security for farmers and travellers along the Imphal–Ukhrul road and other national highways; and deliver justice to the victims without delay.
Emphasising the need to protect civilian lives, farmlands and public highways, the UNC urged the authorities to intervene immediately to prevent further violence and ensure the safety of all communities.
The statement was issued by H. James Hau, Information and Publicity Secretary of the United Naga Council, on October 19, 2026.
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