A total shutdown has been imposed in parts of Kangpokpi district following an arson attack on K. Songlung (II) village in Manipur’s Sadar Hills area on Republic Day, January 26. The attack was allegedly carried out by cadres of the proscribed Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF), according to community organisations.

The village was reportedly set ablaze on January 26, triggering fear and insecurity among residents of the Kuki-Zo community even as the state marked the 77th Republic Day.

The Committee on Tribal Unity (CTU) strongly condemned the incident and alleged serious lapses in security arrangements.

In a statement, the committee claimed that several Kuki-Zo villages located along the fringes of Kangpokpi district — including Lhangjol, Loibol Kholen, Kharam Vaiphei and K. Songlung (II) — have faced repeated intimidation and threats over recent months.

According to the CTU, armed groups have targeted these villages under the pretext of monitoring poppy cultivation, creating an atmosphere of fear, displacement and insecurity among villagers.

Demanding immediate action, the CTU issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the state authorities to arrest those responsible for the burning of K. Songlung (II) village.

The organisation warned that failure to act would result in a total shutdown of National Highway-2 (Asian Highway-2) and National Highway-37 from midnight of January 27 to midnight of January 28. It also stated that it would not be responsible for any consequences arising from the shutdown if its demands were not met.
Meanwhile, the Kuki-Zo Village Volunteers (KZVV), Sadar Hills, also condemned the incident, describing it as a barbaric, inhuman and criminal act. In a press release, the group said the attack exposed a grave failure of security and governance in protecting peaceful villagers, even on a day symbolising India’s constitutional values.

According to the KZVV, armed cadres of the non-SoO ZUF (Kamson) faction, operating in the Kangchup Kuki area, carried out the attack in broad daylight, setting ablaze homes and properties belonging to innocent Kuki-Zo villagers. The assault reportedly led to widespread destruction, displacement and suffering among civilians, including women, children and the elderly.

“The deliberate burning of homes of peaceful Kuki-Zo villagers is a heinous crime and a blatant violation of human rights. Such acts not only endanger lives and livelihoods but also severely threaten communal harmony and the rule of law,” the statement said.