Kultuh - a Kuki village in Manipur's Kamjong district reportedly came under a heavy early morning attack on Thursday, resulting in the deaths of two persons and the torching of several houses.
According to reports, the attack was allegedly carried out by cadres of the NSCN-Eastern Flank. The incident marks the latest in a series of violent episodes affecting Kuki villages in Kamjong district, where tensions have remained high in recent months.
The two victims have been identified as Letminlun Haokip (34), Gambih Secretary of KBC No. 17 and Head Deacon of Kultuh Baptist Church, and Lunminthang Haokip (36), Gambih Youth Secretary of KBC No. 17 and Youth Chairman of Kultuh Baptist Church.
Local sources said several houses in the village were set ablaze during the attack, forcing residents to flee for safety. The full extent of the damage is yet to be officially assessed.
Kuki villages in Kamjong district have allegedly faced repeated attacks since the beginning of the year. Villages including Gampam, Haijang and Lanchah have reportedly been targeted and torched on multiple occasions over the past few months, further deepening concerns over the security situation in the region.
Apart from the security concerns, reports have also highlighted growing humanitarian challenges faced by Kuki residents in Chassad and adjoining areas. Local sources alleged that residents have been experiencing restrictions in accessing essential commodities from neighbouring Tangkhul communities, affecting the supply of basic necessities.
The situation can be described as a matter of humanitarian concern and the local community urged the government, security agencies and civil society organisations to intervene to ensure the safety of civilians and the uninterrupted availability of essential goods and services.
The Hills Journal
K. Salbung, Churachandpur
Manipur-795128
