Imphal, JULY 6: A woman and a child were injured after an alleged armed attack on Thingkhongjang Kuki Village in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district on the evening of July 5, raising fresh concerns over the security situation in the state’s hill areas.
The incident reportedly occurred at around 5 pm in the village, located along the Jiribam–Imphal railway route under the Kangchup Geljang Sub-Division of Sadar Hills, while residents had gathered at the local church for Sunday prayers.
According to local residents, unidentified armed men allegedly opened fire with sophisticated weapons and hurled explosives at the village, creating panic among civilians. Residents further alleged that several houses were set on fire before the attackers fled the area.
Local sources claimed that the assailants belonged to the NSCN-IM and ZUF-K. However, these allegations could not be independently verified.
Among the injured were a woman, who reportedly sustained a gunshot wound to her thigh, and a child. According to local sources, both were evacuated by Assam Rifles personnel to the New Keithelmanbi Assam Rifles camp, where they received medical treatment.
Residents also alleged that Kuki-Zo villagers from neighbouring areas who attempted to assist those affected were stopped by CRPF personnel from entering the village, resulting in a brief confrontation.
The incident drew strong criticism from Kuki-Zo community leaders, who questioned how armed assailants were allegedly able to launch the attack despite the presence of a nearby CRPF camp. They demanded an immediate and impartial investigation, enhanced security for vulnerable villages and strict action against those responsible.
The Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), the apex body representing the Kuki tribes in the state, condemned the attack and alleged that NSCN-IM cadres and its alleged proxy faction ZUF-K were responsible for the assault.
In a statement, KIM claimed that several civilian houses were torched and that indiscriminate firing left a woman and a child seriously injured. The organisation described the incident as a major security lapse and questioned the response of the security forces deployed in the area.
“It is beyond comprehension that heavily armed militants could infiltrate the area, unleash violence upon civilians, torch homes, injure women and children, and withdraw without decisive intervention,” the organisation said.
KIM also referred to earlier assurances by the district administration regarding the safety of villages in Kangpokpi, stating that those commitments had failed to prevent the latest violence.
The organisation called for an independent judicial inquiry, accountability for any operational lapses and a transparent, time-bound investigation into the incident. It further urged both the Centre and the Manipur government to strengthen security measures and restore public confidence.
“The people will no longer accept empty promises, administrative silence or delayed responses while innocent families continue to suffer,” the statement added.
