Kangpokpi: Three civilians were reportedly killed and several houses were set ablaze in a fresh attack by suspected armed miscreants in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district early on Friday morning.
According to sources, the attack occurred around 4 am at Loibol Khullen village under the Saitu-Gamphazol subdivision of Kangpokpi district. Three civilians lost their lives in the incident, while several houses were reportedly burnt down, forcing villagers to flee to safer locations. The full extent of the damage could not be immediately ascertained.
The deceased have been identified as Letkhongam Haokip, son of Manglun Haokip; Tinmary Haokip, wife of Letkhongam Haokip; and Jangminlal Haokip, son of Seikhohao Haokip.
Authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the circumstances surrounding the attack or identify those responsible.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the World Environment Day celebrations in Imphal, Manipur Home Minister Konthoujam Govindas said he had not yet received an official report on the Loibol Khullen incident.
“So far, we have not received detailed information about the incident,” Govindas said.
Meanwhile, the Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), condemning the incident, alleged that the attack was carried out by heavily armed cadres of NSCN-IM and its proxy group, ZUF (K), at around 4 am.
“This reprehensible act of violence has resulted in the tragic killing of three innocent civilians from Loibol Khullen,” KIM said in a statement.
The organisation further claimed that seven houses were reduced to ashes and significant damage was caused to civilian properties.
“Kuki Inpi Manipur unequivocally condemns this barbaric act of violence against unarmed civilians. The deliberate killing of innocent persons and the destruction of homes and livelihoods constitute a serious violation of human dignity and fundamental human rights,” the statement said.
KIM stressed that the deliberate targeting of civilians and destruction of homes can never be justified under any circumstances.
The organisation called on the Government of India and security agencies to immediately launch a thorough investigation, apprehend those responsible, and ensure that justice is delivered without delay.
It also urged authorities to take urgent measures to protect vulnerable villages and prevent further attacks on civilians.
“The perpetrators of this heinous crime must be held fully accountable, and every effort must be made to uphold the rule of law and protect the lives and properties of innocent people,” the statement added.
KIM further cautioned that it would not be held responsible for any consequences arising from what it described as a heinous crime against its people.
No independent verification of KIM’s allegations against NSCN-IM and ZUF (K) was immediately available, and there has been no response from the groups named in the statement.