Imphal |  Fresh violence rocked Manipur’s Kangpokpi district in the early hours of Friday, leaving three civilians dead and seven houses destroyed after armed militants allegedly attacked Loibol Khullen village under the Bungte Chiru Sub-Division.

According to statements issued by the Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) and the Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO), South West Sadar Hills Block, the attack took place around 4 am. The two organisations alleged that heavily armed cadres belonging to NSCN-IM, ZUF (K) and ZUF-Kamson were involved in the assault.

The victims were identified as Letkhongam Haokip (34), his wife Tinmary Haokip (30), and Jangminlal Haokip (34). Besides the loss of lives, seven houses were reportedly set ablaze, causing extensive damage to civilian property.

Strongly condemning the incident, KIM described the attack as a “barbaric act of violence” against unarmed civilians and termed the killing of villagers and destruction of homes a serious violation of human rights and human dignity.

Expressing condolences to the bereaved families, the organisation said the killings had plunged the Kuki-Zo community into mourning and called upon the Government of India and security agencies to immediately investigate the incident, identify and apprehend those responsible, and strengthen protection for vulnerable villages.

“Kuki Inpi Manipur strongly demands that the perpetrators be brought to justice and that decisive measures be taken to uphold the rule of law and ensure the safety of innocent civilians,” the organisation stated.

KIM further warned that it would not be responsible for any consequences arising from what it termed a heinous crime against its people.

The KSO South West Sadar Hills Block also condemned the attack, describing Loibol Khullen as a historic Kuki ancestral village. The student body alleged that the incident was part of a broader pattern of attacks targeting Kuki communities in the region.

“The attack on Loibol Khullen is further proof of how Kukis are being targeted in their own ancestral land under the aggression of Naga insurgent groups,” the organisation claimed.

The KSO additionally criticised the Rongmei Naga Council Manipur, alleging that a condemnation statement issued soon after the incident suggested prior knowledge of the attack. It also claimed that Charoipantongba Part-I was being used as a hideout by cadres of ZUF-K and NSCN (IM).

However, these allegations could not be independently verified.

Demanding immediate intervention from both the state and central governments, the student organisation urged authorities to take swift legal action against those responsible and ensure the safety and security of Kuki-Zo communities living in vulnerable areas.

The latest incident has further heightened tensions in the hill district, with Kuki organisations pressing for justice for the victims and stronger security measures to prevent further violence.