Fresh violence rocked Manipur's Kangpokpi district in the early hours of Friday as deadly armed militants attack left three civilians dead and several houses gutted in Loibol village under New Keithelmanbi, triggering renewed concerns over the deteriorating security situation in the hill district.
According to reports, the brutal attack occured at around 4.10 a.m. in and around Loibol village, with heavy firing reported from the area. While the identities of the armed groups involved could not be independently verified, local sources alleged that NSCN-IM and its proxy group ZUF-K attacked the village.
During the attack, three civilians lost their lives. The deceased were identified as Letkhongam Haokip, son of Manglun Haokip; Tinmary Haokip, wife of Letkhongam Haokip; and Jangminlal Haokip, son of Seikhohao Haokip.
The killings have sent shockwaves across the region, with residents describing the incident as one of the most serious outbreaks of violence in recent months.
Local sources further alleged that suspected Naga militants set ablaze at least seven houses belonging to Kuki families in Loibol village, reducing the structures to charred ruins and forcing residents to flee for safety. The extent of property damage is yet to be officially assessed.
Security forces were reportedly rushed to the area following the incident, although no official statement had been issued regarding the circumstances leading to the firing or the groups involved.
Meanwhile, the Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), the apex body of the Kuki tribes, strongly condemned the deadly attack on Loibol Khullen village in Kangpokpi district, alleging that heavily armed cadres of NSCN-IM and its proxy outfit ZUF (K) carried out the assault that left three civilians dead and several houses destroyed.
KIM described the attack as a “barbaric act of violence” against unarmed civilians and said the incident occurred at around 4 am on Friday.
According to KIM, three villagers — Lekthongam Haokip, his wife Tinmary Haokip, and Jangminlal Haokip — were killed in the attack, while seven houses were reduced to ashes. The organisation also claimed that extensive damage was caused to civilian properties.
Denouncing the killings, KIM said the deliberate targeting of civilians and destruction of homes constituted a grave violation of human rights and human dignity.
“The deliberate killing of innocent persons and the destruction of homes and livelihoods can never be justified under any circumstances,” KIM statement said.
Expressing solidarity with the affected families, KIM said the tragedy had plunged the entire Kuki-Zo community into grief and extended its condolences to the bereaved families.
The apex body urged the Government of India and security agencies to immediately launch a comprehensive investigation, apprehend those responsible and ensure that justice is delivered without delay.
KIM further called for urgent security measures to protect vulnerable villages and prevent any recurrence of such attacks on civilians.
The organisation asserted that the perpetrators must be held fully accountable and stated that Kuki Inpi Manipur “shall not be held responsible for any consequences arising from this heinous crime against our people” if justice is not ensured.
The attack is expected to further heighten tensions in the already sensitive hill districts of Manipur, where security concerns and inter-group hostilities continue to pose serious challenges to peace and stability.
The Hills Journal
K. Salbung, Churachandpur
Manipur-795128
