Fresh bloodshed in Manipur: Three dead as armed men attack Kangpokpi village

Fresh violence has shaken Manipur's Kangpokpi district, where three civilians were killed and seven houses were burnt in a suspected militant attack on Loibol Khullen village early Friday, according to Kuki organisations.

The attack, which reportedly took place around 4 am, has once again highlighted the fragile security situation in the state, where ethnic tensions have persisted for more than three years.

According to a statement issued by the Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), the apex body representing Kuki-Zo tribes, heavily armed cadres allegedly stormed the village, killing three residents and setting multiple homes on fire.

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The victims were identified as Letkhongam Haokip, Tinmary Haokip and Jangminlal Haokip, all residents of Loibol Khullen village. The Kuki Students' Organisation (KSO), South West Sadar Hills, said the victims were between 30 and 34 years old.

Police had not issued an official statement on the incident at the time of publication.

Kuki groups demand immediate probe

Condemning the attack, KIM described the incident as a "barbaric act of violence" against unarmed civilians and accused armed groups of targeting innocent villagers.

KIM urged authorities to identify those responsible, ensure their arrest and strengthen security arrangements in vulnerable villages to prevent further attacks.

"The perpetrators of this heinous crime must be held fully accountable," the organisation said in its statement.

The organisation said the killings and destruction of homes amounted to a grave violation of human rights and demanded immediate action from the Government of India and security agencies.

Separately, the KSO South West Sadar Hills alleged the involvement of militants linked to NSCN (IM), ZUF-Kamson and VBIG. However, there was no immediate response from any of the groups named in the allegations.

Violence returns amid lingering ethnic tensions

The latest incident comes against the backdrop of the prolonged ethnic conflict that erupted in Manipur in May 2023 between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities.

The unrest led to widespread violence, arson and displacement across several districts. Official and media estimates over the past three years indicate that more than 250 people have lost their lives, while nearly 60,000 have been displaced.

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Although large-scale violence has reduced compared to the peak of the conflict, sporadic attacks, armed clashes and security incidents continue to be reported from districts including Kangpokpi, Churachandpur and Imphal East.

Friday's attack is likely to intensify concerns over the security situation in the hill districts, where communities remain divided and many families continue to live in relief camps.