3 Killed, 7 houses torched in suspected Militant attack in Manipur's Kangpokpi

3 people were killed and 7 houses were reduced to ashes in a suspected militant attack on Loibol Khullen village in Manipur's Kangpokpi district today, according to Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), the apex body representing the Kuki-Zo tribes in the state.

In a statement issued on Friday, KIM alleged that heavily armed cadres belonging to NSCN-IM and its alleged proxy outfit ZUF (K) launched an attack on the village around 4 am. The organisation claimed that the assault targeted civilians, resulting in the deaths of three residents and extensive damage to homes and other properties.

The deceased were identified as Letkhongam Haokip, his wife Tinmary Haokip, and Jangminlal Haokip, all residents of Loibol Khullen village. The Kuki Students' Organisation (KSO), South West Sadar Hills, said the victims were aged 34, 30 and 34 years, respectively.

Police officials had not issued an official statement on the incident till the filing of this report.

Condemning the attack, KIM described it as a "barbaric act of violence" against unarmed civilians. The organisation said the killing of innocent people and destruction of homes constituted a grave violation of human rights and human dignity.

Expressing solidarity with the affected families, KIM extended condolences to the bereaved relatives and said the attack had caused immense grief and trauma within the Kuki-Zo community. The organisation also called upon the Government of India and security agencies to launch an immediate investigation, identify the perpetrators and bring them to justice.

KIM further urged authorities to strengthen security arrangements in vulnerable villages to prevent similar attacks and ensure the safety of civilians living in conflict-prone areas.

The incident comes amid the continuing ethnic tensions in Manipur, which began in May 2023 following clashes between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. The violence has claimed hundreds of lives, displaced thousands of people and left several districts divided along ethnic lines.

Separately, the KSO alleged that militants associated with VBIG, ZUF-Kamson and NSCN (IM) were involved in the attack and accused Naga insurgent groups of targeting Kuki ancestral areas. There was no immediate response from the organisations named in the allegations.

Authorities are expected to intensify security operations in the region as investigations into the attack continue.