Kuki organisations have demanded an immediate investigation after three civilians were killed and several homes were destroyed in a predawn attack
Three people were killed and seven houses were set ablaze in a suspected militant attack on Loibol Khullen village in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district early Friday, triggering fresh concerns over security in the violence-hit state.
The Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), the apex body representing the Kuki-Zo community, condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with the affected families. The organisation described the incident as a tragic assault that has caused immense grief within the community.
According to KIM, the attack took place at around 4 am when heavily armed militants allegedly stormed the village. The organisation claimed that the assault resulted in the deaths of three civilians and extensive damage to residential properties, with seven houses reduced to ashes.
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, stated that the victims were aged 34, 30 and 34 respectively.
KIM has urged the Government of India and security agencies to launch an immediate investigation, identify those responsible and ensure swift justice. The organisation also called for enhanced security measures in vulnerable villages to prevent further attacks on civilians.
Condemning the incident, KIM described the killings and destruction of homes as a serious violation of human rights and human dignity. The organisation warned that the perpetrators must be held accountable for what it termed a barbaric act of violence against unarmed civilians.
The latest attack comes amid the prolonged ethnic conflict in Manipur, which began in May 2023 following clashes between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities over the demand for Scheduled Tribe status for the Meitei community. The unrest escalated into widespread violence, resulting in hundreds of deaths and the displacement of tens of thousands of people.
Various official and media estimates indicate that more than 250 people have lost their lives and around 60,000 have been displaced since the conflict erupted. Many continue to reside in relief camps, while several districts remain sharply divided along ethnic lines.
Although large-scale violence has reduced compared to the initial phase of the conflict, sporadic attacks, ambushes and armed clashes continue to be reported from districts including Kangpokpi, Churachandpur and Imphal East.
In a separate statement, the KSO South West Sadar Hills alleged that militants linked to 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 NSCN-IM, ZUF (K) or any of the groups named in the allegations. Police have not yet issued an official statement on the incident.
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