Manipur: FNCC demands arrest of Kuki militant before talks with government

Imphal: The Foothills Naga Coordination Committee (FNCC) has demanded the arrest of a Kuki militant leader before engaging in any talks with the government, following the imposition of a bandh restricting Kuki movements on National Highway 37.

The FNCC, a prominent indigenous body representing Naga communities in Manipur’s foothill areas, announced on Monday that it would not hold discussions with the government until the arrest is made. The decision comes after the FNCC endorsed an indefinite bandh imposed by the Joint Tribe Council on the movement of the Kuki community in the Inpui, Liangmai, Rongmei, and Zeme-inhabited areas of the state. The bandh was further extended along the foothills of Naga areas, including Old Cachar Road and NH-37, which connects Imphal to Silchar via Jiribam, effective from January 12.

In a letter submitted to the Joint Secretary of the Home Department, Government of Manipur, the FNCC stated that after detailed deliberations with the Joint Tribes, its councils, and executives, it would not attend the meeting scheduled for 11 am on January 19, 2026, at the office of the Commissioner of Home Affairs in Imphal, citing multiple reasons.

The committee alleged that the Manipur government had failed to honour the three-point memorandum of understanding signed on August 8, 2025. Instead of booking and prosecuting the cadres of the Kuki National Front (Presidential/President Faction) United People's Front (KNF-P/UPF) and their leader, Thangboi Kipgen—who were involved in several illegal incidents, including the Ireng incident on January 11–12, 2026—the government has invited the victims for negotiation, which the FNCC described as unfortunate.

The UPF is an umbrella organisation of various Kuki/Zomi militant groups operating in Manipur and had entered into a tripartite Statement of Objectives (SoO) agreement in August 2008.

The FNCC further alleged that the government appears more interested in representing the Kukis and their unlawful militants, with whom they seem to be working hand-in-glove, showing bias and a lack of impartiality. According to the committee, the arrest of the culprits is a prerequisite for any meaningful dialogue.

The FNCC also pointed out that the KNF-P/UPF had issued direct threats against Ireng Naga village on January 12, 2026. The committee said these threats constitute serious criminal offences under the Indian Penal Code, including Section 506 (criminal intimidation), Section 307 (attempt to murder), and Section 153 (promoting enmity between groups).