3 killed, 7 houses burnt in suspected militant attack in Manipur's Kangpokpi

THree people were killed and sevener houses were rock-bottom to ashes in a suspected activist assail on Loibol Khullen hamlet in Manipur's Kangpokpi district early Friday, according to Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), the apex body representing the Kuki-Zo tribes in the state.In a statement issued on June 5, KIM alleged that heavily armed cadres of NSCN-IM and its proxy outfit ZUF (K) attacked the village at around 4 am. The organisation said the assault killed three civilians, destroyed seven houses and caused extensive damage to civilian properties.The deceased were identified as Letkhongam Haokip, his wife Tinmary Haokip and Jangminlal Haokip, all residents of Loibol Khullen. According to a separate statement issued by the Kuki Students' Organisation (KSO), South West Sadar Hills, the victims were aged 34, 30 and 34 respectively.Police is yet to comment on the incident.KIM condemns 'barbaric' attackCondemning the incident, KIM described the assault as a "barbaric act of violence" against unarmed civilians and said the deliberate killing of innocent people and destruction of homes constituted a serious violation of human dignity and fundamental human rights.The organisation extended condolences to the bereaved families and expressed solidarity with residents affected by the violence, saying the attack had caused "immeasurable grief" to the Kuki-Zo community.Demand for probe and security measuresKIM called on the Government of India and security agencies to launch an immediate investigation into the incident, apprehend those responsible and ensure justice is delivered without delay. It also urged authorities to strengthen security in vulnerable villages to prevent further attacks on civilians."The perpetrators of this heinous crime must be held fully accountable," the organisation said, adding that it would not be responsible for any consequences arising from the attack on the Kuki-Zo community.Fresh violence amid prolonged ethnic conflictThe incident comes against the backdrop of more than three years of ethnic tensions and violence in Manipur. The conflict began in May 2023 after clashes between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities following protests over the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe status. The violence quickly spread across the state, leading to widespread killings, arson and displacement.According to various official and media estimates cited over the course of the conflict, more than 250 people have been killed and around 60,000 displaced since the unrest erupted in May 2023. Large numbers of people from both communities continue to live in relief camps, while several districts remain divided along ethnic lines.Although the intensity of violence has reduced compared with the early months of the conflict, sporadic gun attacks, ambushes and clashes continue to be reported from parts of Kangpokpi, Imphal East, Churachandpur and other districts.No response from groups namedSeparately, the KSO South West Sadar Hills alleged that militants belonging 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 other groups named in the statements.