KANGPOKPI, August 31: Three civilians were reportedly killed and four others critically injured after armed groups attacked Teikhang village in Kangpokpi district on Monday morning, according to two Kuki civil society organisations.
The attack reportedly took place at around 8 am, when around 50 heavily armed men allegedly entered the village, opened fire on civilians and set houses ablaze.
The Twilang Area Kuki CSO Working Committee alleged that the attackers were cadres of the NSCN-IM and ZUF-K, and accused the groups of deliberately targeting civilians.
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The Kuki CSO said the attackers opened indiscriminate fire on villagers, forcing residents to flee the area. It alleged that two village houses were completely burnt down during the attack.
The three deceased were identified as Tingneichin, 40, wife of Tongpao Lhouvum; Hoineing Lhujem, 21, wife of Thanggoulen Lhujem; and Lamtinthang Lhujem, 36, son of Seilun Lhujem, as per Twilang Area Kuki CSO Working Committee.
Four villagers were reportedly critically injured. They were identified as Nemneichong Lhujem, 50; Seilun Lhujem, 70; Deilhing Haokip, 55; and Kamtinsei Chongloi, 38, the Kuki CSO added.
The Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO), Twilang Block, also alleged that the attack was carried out by armed cadres and condemned the targeting of civilians in the village.
The Kuki bodies called for immediate deployment of security forces in the area, safe passage for the injured and urgent medical assistance. They also demanded action against those responsible for the attack and relief and reconstruction support for the affected families.
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The latest attack comes amid a string of deadly incidents along the IT Road corridor. On May 13, six Liangmai Naga civilians who were taken hostage from Leilon Vaiphei were later found dead after nearly a month, in one of the most brutal episodes of the spiraling Naga-Kuki conflict.
Today’s attack comes amid a more recent series of deadly incidents of August 27 where four Liangmai Naga civilians were killed and another injured in an alleged ambush between Makui Ashang and Thanamba Naga areas in Kangpokpi district. Earlier, on August 14, two Naga civilians were killed and others injured after armed men allegedly opened fire on villagers at Langka Naga village along the same road.
