A ear-splitting night of automatic and sophisticated weapon fire on Tuesday has plunged the Tangkhul Naga villages of Leingangching (known locally as Laho), Litan and Sharkaphung into panic, with residents describing the attack as an unprovoked, sustained assault that has placed women, children and the elderly in imminent danger.
In a statement issued by the Media Cell of Leingangching/Laho Litan Village, the villages condemned the attack as a direct and intolerable violation of civilian safety, peace and the rule of law and issued four non-negotiable demands, including an independent judicial inquiry and immediate deployment of neutral peacekeeping forces.
Gunfire from Mongkot Chepu side
According to the statement, the assault began at approximately 22:22 hrs on Tuesday, 26 May 2026, and originated from the direction of Mongkot Chepu Kuki village. Residents reported continuous firing with automatic and sophisticated weapons, causing severe trauma and panic among civilians.
“The situation remains volatile, with community security gravely compromised,” the statement said, alleging that security forces fired on unarmed villagers
The statement made a serious allegation against elements of the security forces, saying that instead of neutralising the source of aggression, some security personnel discharged live ammunition toward Naga civilians undertaking community defence of their homes.
“Rounds were fired within the village perimeters,” the statement said. “The use of lethal force against unarmed civilians and the discharge of firearms inside inhabited areas are flagrant breaches of constitutional protections, established rules of engagement and international humanitarian norms.”
It added that such conduct is “unacceptable, escalates hostilities and irreparably undermines public trust in state institutions mandated to protect life.”
Four non-negotiable demands
The villagers issued the following demands:
Cessation of hostilities
– All armed actors must cease firing in or near civilian areas without exception, effective immediately.
Independent judicial inquiry
– A time-bound, transparent investigation into the May 26 incident, examining both the initial attack and the reported actions of security personnel, with full powers to summon evidence and witnesses. Findings must be made public.
Neutral peacekeeping intervention
– Deployment of impartial, adequately resourced peacekeeping forces with a clear mandate to protect all civilians in Leingangching, Litan and Sharkaphung. The current security arrangement has “demonstrably failed” to ensure civilian safety.
Full accountability and prosecution
– Any individual, including state security personnel, found to have engaged in unlawful firing upon civilians or within village limits must be immediately suspended and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, with command responsibility enforced.
Call for urgent intervention
“The sanctity of civilian life is inviolable and not subject to compromise,” the statement said. “The state and central governments bear primary responsibility for maintaining law and order and protecting all citizens without bias.”
The villagers called for urgent and decisive intervention by the Government of Manipur, the Union Government, the National Human Rights Commission and all relevant human rights bodies.
“The people of Leingangching, Litan and the Sharkaphung villages demand justice, protection and an end to impunity,” the statement added.
