Imphal: The Foothills Naga Coordination Committee (FNCC) has issued a scathing press release questioning the integrity of a recent security operation against Kuki militant groups in the Leilon Vaiphei area. The full text of the FNCC statement, issued from its Imphal office on June 24, 2026, is reproduced below:
The Foothills Naga Coordination Committee (FNCC) expresses its shock, outrage and profound disappointment over what increasingly appears to have been a staged and ineffective security operation reportedly conducted by the COBRA Unit of the CRPF and the Assam Rifles in Leilon Vaiphei area on 21 June 2026 against Kuki narco-terrorist groups belonging to KNF(P), UKNA and KRA.
Reports indicate that security forces engaged in an exchange of gunfire and used explosives after coming under attack from the Kuki terrorists. More significantly, nearly 100 armed terrorist groups of KNF(P), UKNA and KRA were reportedly surrounded, presenting a rare opportunity to apprehend individuals involved in the abduction of 18 Naga civilians and the brutal killing of six innocent Nagas.
However, instead of resulting in arrests and accountability, the operation shifted toward a negotiated surrender following intervention of the Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen, wife of Thangboi Kipgen @ S.T. Semtinthang (Chairman/President of a terrorist group called UPF/KNF-P). It is reported that a frantic phone call was made to senior political and security authorities, including the Director General of Assam Rifles, the GOC of 57 Mountain Division, Leimakhong and the Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh. Deadlines were fixed and repeatedly extended, yet no meaningful outcome emerged. The most disturbing aspect is that the operation was eventually withdrawn despite the Kuki narco-terrorists had been effectively encircled. Consequently, the armed terrorists were allowed to escape and relocate to the KNF(P) Ebenezer Camp and adjoining areas.
This raises serious questions regarding the intent, execution and outcome of the operation. If nearly 100 armed Kuki narco-terrorists had indeed been trapped, who ordered the withdrawal and who bears responsibility for allowing their escape? The people deserve clear and unequivocal answers. The public cannot be expected to believe that such a large group of armed terrorists simply disappeared despite the presence of elite security forces. This has deepened public suspicion that the operation was designed to orchestrate the appearance of action without delivering justice.
Particularly alarming is the fact that those involved in the abduction of 18 Naga civilians and the brutal killing of six innocent Nagas remain beyond the reach of the law. Despite widespread knowledge of Kuki terrorists involved and their hideouts, no visible effort appears to have been made to ensure the perpetrators were apprehended and prosecuted. The withdrawal of this much-anticipated operation has severely damaged public confidence and created a perception that Kuki narco-terrorist groups enjoy protection or immunity from decisive action. Such perceptions can only be dispelled through transparency, accountability and concrete action.
The people of Manipur deserve justice. They deserve security forces that act decisively against those who terrorize innocent civilians. If the COBRA unit of CRPF, the Assam Rifles and the Central Security Forces cannot handle Kuki narco-terrorist groups, leave it to the Nagas. We will handle.
Information & Publicity | Foothills Naga Co-ordination Committee (FNCC)
The above statement is reproduced verbatim from the FNCC press release. NEWire.in has not independently verified the allegations contained herein. The CRPF, Assam Rifles, and the offices of the Deputy Chief Minister and Chief Minister did not respond to requests for comment at the time of publication.
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