Imphal: A delegation of civil society organizations from Manipur on Monday visited several Naga villages along the Manipur-Myanmar border following the deadly cross-border attacks carried out by Myanmar based armed groups on May 7.
The team, comprising representatives from the Indigenous People’s Forum Manipur (IPFM), All Manipur United Clubs’ Organization (AMUCO), Manipur Naga Youth Organization (MNYO), along with Tangkhul elders and Meitei intellectuals, assessed the situation in the severely affected villages of Namlee, Wanglee and Choro. During the visit, they also distributed relief materials to affected residents.
The delegation documented extensive damage in an inquiry report, noting burnt houses, looted belongings and destroyed vehicles across the impacted settlements. Leaders present at the site strongly condemned the violence, describing it as a serious cross-border security breach.
AMUCO advisor Devan alleged that the Kuki National Army-Burma (KNA-B) was responsible for the attacks and criticized remarks from the Manipur Home Minister suggesting that no official reports of foreign aggression had been received, calling the statement deeply unfortunate in light of recent rescue operations by the Indian Army in the area.
IPFM chief advisor Ashang Kasar described the incident as “external aggression” and during a solidarity address in Namlee, urged authorities to establish an Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) or Manipur Rifles outpost in the region, along with immediate reconstruction of damaged homes.
MNYO president Daniel Lamkang asserted that Choro lies firmly within Indian and Naga territory, condemning the actions of the KNA-B and the People’s Defence Force (PDF) as acts of foreign aggression.
Local village leaders from Namlee and Choro also highlighted long-standing neglect of the region and demanded urgent improvements in basic infrastructure, including electricity, education, telecommunications and road connectivity, alongside stronger security deployment.
Members of the delegation expressed dissatisfaction with what they described as the state government’s inadequate response. Noting the proximity of the incident to existing army installations, they warned that continued gaps in border security could create the perception of territorial vulnerability to external forces.