UKHRUL/KANGPOKPI: Three civilians were killed and at least seven houses were reportedly set ablaze in Loibol village under Kangpokpi district, Manipur, during an early morning attack that reportedly began around 4:00 AM on Friday.
The deceased have been identified, according to sources, as Letkhongam Haokip, his wife Tinmary Haokip, and Jangminlal Haokip.
Meanwhile, a viral video that surfaced on Friday morning, purportedly recorded in the affected village, appears to show armed men amid the violence. In the footage, a man speaking in a Kuki dialect is heard directing another armed individual, saying, “Shoot this side, now that side.” After several shots are fired, the man is heard praising the shooter, saying, “Well done.”
The authenticity of the video and the circumstances surrounding its recording could not be independently verified at the time of filing this report.
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Reacting to the attack, the Rongmei Naga Council Manipur (RNCM) expressed deep regret over the incident that occurred in the area between Leibon Kuki village and Pongringlong (Charoipandongba) Part-1, a Naga village in Kangpokpi District. The RNCM accused Kuki militants of being responsible for the attack, claiming that several rounds were indiscriminately fired at around 3:30 AM, putting villagers at extreme risk. “Such willful indulgence, without any concern for public safety and provocation of communal tensions, is unequivocally condemned,” it stated. The RNCM also demanded that the involved parties apologize to the public and cease all acts of hostility that could escalate tensions among communities in the state.
Furthermore, the RNCM appealed to the government for the immediate removal of all Suspension of Operation (SoO) camps from the region, alleging that militants under the SoO are operating in the vicinity with sophisticated weapons, threatening Naga villagers near illegally farmed poppy plantations in Pongringlong. “The ongoing support for trigger-happy Kuki militants by the security agencies is a serious concern for the Naga villagers in the South-West Foothill areas,” it added.
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On the other hand, the Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) has accused the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN-IM) and the Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF-Kamson) of perpetrating the attack. “This reprehensible act of violence has resulted in the tragic deaths of three innocent civilians from Loibol Khullen — Mr. Letkhongam Haokip, his wife, Mrs. Tinmary Haokip, and Mr. Jangminlal Haokip. Seven houses have been reduced to ashes, resulting in significant damage to civilian property,” the KIM press statement said.
KIM condemned the attack as a severe violation of human dignity and fundamental rights. The deliberate targeting of civilians and the destruction of homes can never be justified under any circumstances, it stated. Also, it has urged the Government of India and relevant security agencies to launch a comprehensive investigation into the incident, apprehend the perpetrators, and ensure that justice is served without delay. “The authorities must also take urgent measures to protect vulnerable villages and prevent further attacks on innocent civilians,” it emphasized.
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Additionally, the Coordination Committee Longmai Area, while condemning the attack, has accused Kuki militants of being responsible for the act. It has called on the government to remove all Suspension of Operation (SoO) camps immediately from the region. “Militants under the SoO are reportedly operating in the area with sophisticated weapons, threatening the Naga villagers of Pongringlong Pondaijang,” it said, while advising the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements in and around Naga-inhabited villages in the state.
Editorial Note
Reporting from conflict-affected areas in Manipur, particularly in the hill districts, presents immense challenges. Amid competing narratives, allegations, and counter-allegations advanced by various community organisations, armed groups, and other stakeholders, independently verifying information from the ground is often difficult. These challenges are compounded by limitations in access, communication disruptions, resource constraints, and the prevailing security and political environment.
Readers are encouraged to approach information circulating on social media with caution and to refrain from drawing conclusions based solely on unverified claims or partisan narratives. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, balance, and fairness in our reporting, certain details may remain difficult to independently confirm in a rapidly evolving conflict situation, especially in Manipur.
In many instances, establishing with certainty the sequence of events, the identities of those responsible, or the motivations behind an incident may not be immediately possible. As such, reports should be understood within the context of the information available at the time of publication, and may be updated as additional verified facts emerge.