Three Kuki villagers killed in fresh Manipur violence

Guwahati: Three Kuki villagers, including a woman, were killed and seven houses were burned in an early morning attack in Manipur's Kangpokpi district on Friday.

The incident occurred around 4 a.m. in Loibol Khullen village under the Saitu-Gamphazol subdivision. The deceased were identified as Letkhongam Haokip, Tinmary Haokip, and Jangminlal Haokip.

According to the Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), armed cadres allegedly linked to the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN-IM), along with the Zeliangrong United Front, carried out the attack, The New Indian Express reported.

In a statement condemning the violence, KIM said that three civilians were killed and seven houses were destroyed, resulting in significant damage to property. The organisation described the incident as a serious violation of human rights and said that targeting civilians and burning homes could not be justified under any circumstances.

KIM urged the Central government and security agencies to conduct an immediate investigation, identify those responsible, and ensure swift justice. It also called for enhanced security measures in vulnerable villages to prevent similar attacks.

The latest incident has further escalated tensions in the region, which has experienced repeated ethnic and insurgency-related violence in recent years. No official statement had been issued by authorities at the time of filing the report.