CoTU, Kuki bodies Condemns Kharam Vaiphei Attack, Urges Authorities to Track Down Culprits Before Pre-emptive responses

A fresh wave of violence rocked Kangpokpi district early Thursday morning as armed assailants launched a coordinated attack on Kharam Vaiphei, a Kuki-Zo village, using bombs and multiple rounds of automatic gunfire.

According to a press communiqué issued by the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), the attack occurred around 7:00 a.m., when a group of armed miscreants from nearby areas targeted the village, triggering panic and fear among residents. Although no loss of life has been reported so far, several houses were damaged, and villagers narrowly escaped what could have turned into a major tragedy.

CoTU alleged that Kharam Vaiphei has been repeatedly targeted by valley-based insurgent groups (VBIGs) since the outbreak of ethnic violence on May 3, 2023, and described the village as being under constant threat due to its geographical location on the periphery of Kangpokpi district.

The statement further claimed that so-called misnomer gangsters belonging to the ZUF (Zeliangrong United Front), Kamson faction, have been operating with impunity under the patronage of valley-based insurgent networks and aided by “gun-throat, hate-spewing mouthpieces” hostile to the Kuki-Zo community.

CoTU also expressed grave concern over reports of the kidnapping of an elderly civilian, allegedly followed by a staged interrogation under the pretext of combating drug menace, terming it a dangerous misuse of vigilante power.

While acknowledging efforts to restore the Rule of Law in Manipur, the Committee strongly criticized the inaction of the Government, stating that even under President’s Rule, constitutional authority has failed to curb the rise of self-styled armed groups masquerading as law enforcers, thereby spreading fear and psychological trauma among civilians.

Calling the situation “deeply alarming,” CoTU appealed to the concerned authorities to immediately identify, track down, and apprehend the perpetrators, dismantle their hideouts in peripheral Kuki-Zo areas of Kangpokpi, and take decisive action before any pre-emptive responses ensued.

The Committee warned that continued negligence could have serious consequences for peace and stability in the already conflict-hit region.

Meanwhile, the Kuki Inpi South-West Sadar Hills and the Kharam Vaiphei Village Authority have strongly condemned the violent armed attack that rocked Kharam Vaiphei village early Thursday morning, triggering widespread fear and panic among innocent civilians.

According to official statements issued separately by the apex tribal body and the village authority, the incident occurred at around 7:00 AM, when unprovoked firing and bomb explosions were carried out within the residential area of the village. Though no casualties were reported, several houses were damaged, and villagers—particularly women and children—were left traumatised by the sudden violence.

Describing the incident as an act of grave lawlessness, the Kuki Inpi South-West Sadar Hills stated that such violence is deeply regrettable and unacceptable, especially during the enforcement of President’s Rule in the state. The body asserted that the attack has instilled terror and psychological distress among peaceful villagers and could potentially fuel communal tension if not addressed decisively.

The apex body further demanded that the concerned authorities immediately identify and apprehend the perpetrators and ensure that they are awarded maximum punishment under the law. It warned that failure to act swiftly could embolden anti-social elements and worsen the fragile situation in the region.

Echoing similar sentiments, the Kharam Vaiphei Village Authority, condemned the attack in the strongest possible terms, calling it a cowardly and provocative act aimed at disturbing peace and stability. The authority expressed serious concern over the firing of weapons and detonation of bombs within village jurisdiction, terming it a direct threat to civilian safety.

The Village Authority urged law enforcement agencies and authorities in power to take stringent and proactive measures to prevent the recurrence of such violent incidents and to restore confidence among the residents.
Both bodies appealed for swift justice and reiterated their commitment to maintaining peace, harmony, and communal unity, while cautioning against misinformation and narratives that could further inflame tensions.