Sadar Hills Legislators Including Dy CM, Condemn Loibol Tragedy; Call for Decisive Security Action

The killing of three civilians and the destruction of houses in Loibol village under New Keithelmanbi in Manipur's Kangpokpi district triggered strong condemnation from Sadar Hills Kangpokpi District Legislators including Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen, Saitu MLA Haokholet Kipgen and Saikul MLA Kimneo Hangshing on Friday, as demands intensified for immediate action against those responsible for the deadly attack.

Expressing deep anguish over the incident, Dy. Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen described the killings of Letkhongam Haokip, his wife Tinmary Haokip and Jangminlal Haokip as a "heartbreaking tragedy" that has plunged the state into grief and sorrow.

"I am deeply saddened and anguished by the tragic loss of three innocent lives including a woman in the unfortunate incident that occurred at Loibol Village under New Keithelmanbi in Kangpokpi district in the early hours of today," the Deputy Chief Minister said.

Stating that no family should ever have to endure such a devastating loss, she extended her prayers and solidarity to the bereaved families and strongly condemned all forms of violence targeting innocent civilians.

"Such incidents only deepen the pain and suffering of our people and undermine our collective aspiration for a peaceful and secure future," she said.

The Deputy Chief Minister reaffirmed the government's commitment to ensuring that the rule of law prevails and that all necessary measures are taken to safeguard the lives and security of citizens.

Meanwhile, Saitu MLA Haokholet Kipgen also strongly condemned what he termed a "brutal attack" on Loibol Khullen village, resulting in the loss of innocent lives and extensive destruction of homes and properties.

"The targeting of innocent civilians and the destruction of their homes and livelihoods are unacceptable and deserve the strongest condemnation," the legislator said.

Describing the attack as a barbaric act with no place in a civilised society, he called for the immediate identification and prosecution of those responsible.

"The perpetrators of this crime must be identified and brought to justice without delay," he asserted.

Haokholet Kipgen further urged the Central forces, state security agencies and the Government of India to take urgent and decisive measures to restore security in the area, protect vulnerable villages and prevent further attacks.

He also called for immediate relief and rehabilitation support for affected families who have suffered immense loss and hardship in the aftermath of the violence.

Joining the chorus of condemnation, Saikul MLA Kimneo Hangshing strongly and unequivocally condemned the attack, describing it as a heinous act of violence against innocent civilians.

Expressing profound sorrow over the killings of Letkhongam Haokip, Tinmary Haokip and Jangminlal Haokip, Hangshing said the burning of seven houses and the devastation inflicted upon the village had further compounded the suffering of the affected families and the community.

"Such barbaric attacks on innocent civilians are utterly unacceptable and deserve the strongest condemnation. No cause can ever justify the taking of innocent lives and the destruction of peaceful communities," she stated.

The Saikul legislator extended her deepest condolences to the bereaved families and urged the government and concerned authorities to take immediate and decisive action against those responsible for the attack while ensuring the safety and security of vulnerable villages.

The strong reactions from the three Sadar Hills legislators came amid growing public anger over the attack, which has reignited concerns over the security situation in vulnerable hill villages. Residents and civil society organisations have demanded enhanced security deployment, swift justice for the victims and concrete measures to prevent a recurrence of such violence.

Authorities are yet to issue a detailed statement on the circumstances surrounding the attack. However, the incident has once again underscored the fragile security environment prevailing in parts of the hill districts, where fears of renewed violence continue to loom large.