TIM Calls for Investigation into Killing of Meitei Civilians in Manipur, Alleges Kuki Militant Factional Dispute

The Thadou Inpi Manipur (TIM) has called for a comprehensive investigation into the killing of three Meitei civilians at Sunurok Hills in Manipur’s Imphal East district, alleging that the attack may be linked to rivalries within Kuki militant factions and political manoeuvring ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections. The organisation welcomed the arrest of three alleged cadres of the Kuki National Front (Nehlun) but said investigators should examine the command structures and operational links between outlawed factions and groups that are signatories to the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement. According to TIM, two of the detained cadres have reportedly confessed to their involvement in the October 19 killings. TIM also cited the reported recovery of heavy weapons, ammunition, poppy straw and a Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO) identity card, alleging that the items pointed to a wider network involving militant and narcotics-related activities. It further alleged that some civil society organisations, including the KSO, function as fronts for SoO-linked militant groups. The organisation referred to the recent arrests of KSO-GHQ vice-president Jamkhomang Khongsai and United Kuki National Army chief Thangkhomang Haokip in support of its allegations. TIM claimed that the killings were connected to an internal power struggle within the Kuki National Front (Presidential) ahead of the 2027 Manipur Assembly elections. It alleged that KNF(P) Home Secretary Jangboi Kipgen, who the organisation said controls the Unified Command in Kangpokpi, was behind a network of proxies associated with the Kuki National Front (Nehlun). According to TIM, a dispute between KNF(P) president ST Thangboi Kipgen and Jangboi Kipgen over candidate endorsements for the Saitu and Kangpokpi Assembly constituencies had intensified divisions within the group. The organisation alleged that Jangboi Kipgen used proxy groups to intimidate villagers and influence voter turnout. It also linked the alleged factional dispute to efforts to disrupt Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen’s scheduled return to the state capital. TIM said public condemnations and denials by umbrella militant organisations should not prevent investigators from examining the possible involvement of senior leaders. It maintained that factional disputes could not justify attacks on civilians and called for accountability in the Sunurok killings. The allegations made by TIM were not independently verified.