UKHRUL, June 27: The Katho Katamnao Long (KKL) and Tangkhul Naga Valley Students’ Association (TNVSA) have issued a 24-hour ultimatum following an alleged mob attack on a Ukhrul bound Winger. The incident took place on June 26 near Mongkot Chepu village along the Imphal-Ukhrul highway (NH-202).

In a strongly worded statement issued on Friday, the Katho Katamnao Long (KKL) and Tangkhul Naga Valley Students’ Association (TNVSA) condemned the incident, where Kuki mob attacked a Winger vehicle en route to Ukhrul, injuring a female passenger and the driver. They also accused the Mongkot Chepu village chief of threatening passengers while under the influence of alcohol — behaviour they described as “highly uncalled for.”

“This is not the first instance where the war-mongering Kuki community residing along the stretch of Ukhrul to Imphal road, has engaged in such unwarranted actions against this road commuters. Despite our repeated efforts to foster peace in the region, these Kukis have consistently proven that they do not genuinely seek peace and continue to provoke conflict,” the statement read.

The organizations highlighted that since 2023, the apex Tangkhul body, Tangkhul Naga Long, have made consistent appeals and held multiple meetings with Kuki village leaders to ensure peaceful co-existence along the stretch of Ukhrul to Imphal road. However, they allege that these efforts have been repeatedly ignored and taken as weakness.

Citing repeated harassment and a breakdown of mutual agreements, the organizations have issued a 24-hour ultimatum, demanding the immediate identification and surrender of those involved in the June 26 attack. “Failure to comply with this ultimatum will result in serious and unbearable consequences. We will also completely block the movement of Kukis along the stretch of NH-202, Imphal-Ukhrul road, and no Kuki movement will be allowed in Ukhrul District,” the statement continued.

They also warned that further action would follow if their demands are not met.