Two Kuki youths were apprehended by Namdilong village volunteers during the shutdown on April 23 for allegedly violating the bandh. Found carrying cash and ganja, they were safely handed over to police. The Namdilong Village Authority condemned the violation while urging mutual respect
IMPHAL – The Namdilong Village Authority, Kanglatongbi Namdilong, Imphal West, issued a press statement on April 23, 2026, placing on record a serious incident that unfolded during the enforcement of the United Naga Council's (UNC) three-day total shutdown. The village authority stated its firm endorsement of the shutdown, which was called by the UNC as the apex civil society organisation of the Naga community.
During the course of vigilant enforcement of the bandh, alert local volunteers apprehended two individuals belonging to the Kuki community who were found openly violating the shutdown and attempting to flee the area under suspicious circumstances. The village authority stated that their actions not only undermined the spirit of the shutdown but also showed blatant disregard for the collective sentiment of the people during what it described as a sensitive mourning period. As the situation began to escalate with the gathering of a large crowd, the responsible leaders of Namdilong Village acted promptly and with restraint to prevent the situation from deteriorating further.
To prevent any untoward incident, police outpost personnel stationed at Kanglatongbi Hindi School were immediately informed and called to the scene. In a coordinated and disciplined manner, leaders of the Namdilong Village Authority, Namdilong Youth Club, and Namdilong Women Development ensured that the two individuals were safely secured and subsequently handed over to security personnel without any harm.
The Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Sekmai Police Station arrived promptly, recorded statements from the individuals, and initiated the necessary procedures. Personnel from the Border Security Force (BSF) camp at Gamgiphai also arrived and held detailed discussions with the village authorities regarding the appropriate course of action. After thorough consultation and in the interest of maintaining peace and communal balance, the individuals were formally handed over to Saparmeina Police personnel from the Motbung side. They were subsequently escorted to Gamgiphai and handed over in the presence of the Saparmeina OC, ensuring full transparency and accountability throughout the process.
The Namdilong Village Authority disclosed the details of the two apprehended individuals as follows: (1) Ngamtinson Vaiphei, aged 19 years, son of Paoboi Vaiphei, a resident of Thingphai Village, Saikul Sub-Division, contact number 9233632488; and (2) Seikhugun Tuboi, aged 17 years, son of Ngamkholal Tuboi, a resident of Bunglung Village, Saikul Sub-Division.
Upon enquiry and verification, the individuals were found carrying approximately ?30,000 in cash and a package of ganja, and were reportedly under the influence of intoxicants at the time of apprehension. Their statements were described as inconsistent and contradictory — they alternately claimed to be travelling from Saikul to purchase a mobile phone from Kangpokpi, Kanglatongbi, and at times Laimakhong. Furthermore, they failed to produce Aadhaar cards or any other valid form of identification, which the village authority stated raised serious concerns regarding their intent and movement during such a critical period.
The Namdilong Village Authority stressed that despite the gravity of the situation and the provocation caused by the individuals' actions, the people of Namdilong exercised maximum restraint and upheld the highest standard of discipline. The individuals were neither harmed nor mistreated in any manner and were safely handed over to the appropriate authorities.
The village authority, however, issued a strong and unequivocal condemnation of what it described as irresponsible and provocative actions during a time of collective mourning and sensitivity. It issued a firm warning to all concerned — particularly members of the Kuki community — to strictly respect the ongoing shutdown and the sentiments attached to the three-day mourning period. The village authority stated that any further attempt to violate or undermine the collective decision would be viewed seriously and dealt with accordingly.
The statement also reminded all parties that the Naga people have consistently maintained a position of restraint, neutrality, and respect for the sentiments of others during the ongoing conflicts involving the Kuki and Meitei communities. The village authority described it as deeply unfortunate and unacceptable that such neutrality and goodwill were being disregarded. It called upon the Kuki community to act responsibly, maintain mutual respect, and uphold peace and harmony during this critical time, adding that the spirit of coexistence must not be weakened by reckless and insensitive actions.
The press statement was issued by the Namdilong Village Authority and signed by its Chairman, and was stated to have been issued in the interest of truth, peace, and collective responsibility.
