SENAPATI, October 20, 2026: The Naga Women’s Union (NWU) has strongly condemned the reported killing of two civilians and the subsequent death of another from injuries sustained in an attack at Sunurok Uyok, Khongbal, on October 19, accusing the State and Central Governments of failing to adequately protect civilian lives amid recurring violence in Manipur.
In a press release issued on Monday, NWU stated that the attack occurred at around 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, claiming the lives of Arubam Ronil (35), and Lairenlakpam Inaobi (51) and Kshetrimayum Sushil (32), who was injured in the incident, later succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.
The Union expressed grave concern over what it described as a continuing pattern of armed violence and intimidation against different communities in Manipur. It also recalled the killing of Sundip Rai along the Mahadev–Toloi Road on October 10, 2026, stating that repeated incidents of violence cannot be dismissed as isolated occurrences or allowed to become an accepted reality.
NWU asserted that protecting civilians from armed attacks is a fundamental responsibility of the Government and said the repeated failure to prevent such incidents demands urgent scrutiny, accountability and concrete corrective action. It warned that when violence continues without an effective response, insecurity becomes normalised and communities are left to live under constant fear.
The organisation alleged that delayed recognition of security threats and inadequate responses from the State and Central Governments have exposed communities to grave consequences. It questioned the authorities’ commitment to safeguarding civilian lives, land rights and the security of indigenous communities, insisting that the protection of the people must be treated as an immediate priority rather than a delayed political concern.
NWU further voiced concern that the continuing violence could be part of a broader attempt to establish what it described as illegitimate control over land, allegedly aided by political elements supporting armed groups. It warned that such developments pose a serious threat to indigenous survival, security and the protection of ancestral land.
The Union also raised serious questions over the reported attacks in view of their proximity to the Mt. Sinai camp, which it described as being associated with Kuki militants operating under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) arrangement. It said the circumstances raise concerns about the effectiveness of existing security measures and called for a thorough investigation into the reported incidents.
Calling for immediate intervention, NWU urged the Government of Manipur and the Government of India to take decisive measures to apprehend those responsible, ensure justice for the victims and prevent further attacks. It stressed that allegations involving armed groups under the SoO framework must be investigated impartially, with accountability enforced without favouritism.
The organisation maintained that people cannot be expected to endure repeated violence indefinitely while waiting for delayed government responses. It called for stronger political accountability, effective security arrangements and concrete measures to safeguard lives, ancestral lands and the future of affected communities.
NWU also emphasised the importance of collective resilience, social unity and a disciplined, strategic response focused on protecting lives and defending legitimate rights. It urged political leaders to place public welfare and the security of the people above personal political ambitions, cautioning that political considerations must not obstruct lawful and collective efforts to protect communities.
The Union reiterated that the Government must recognise the gravity of the situation, investigate allegations of aggression and unlawful occupation, and act decisively to prevent further bloodshed. It stressed that the protection of civilian lives, indigenous land rights and community security cannot be compromised by political calculations or delayed responses.
The press release was issued by the Information and Publicity Cell of the Naga Women’s Union on October 20, 2026.
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