Imphal, Jan 8: A wave of fear swept through Kharam Vaiphei village on the morning of January 8 after an armed attack involving gunfire and bomb explosions rocked the residential area, prompting strong condemnation from the Kuki Inpi South-West Sadar Hills and the Kharam Vaiphei Village Authority. The sudden violence, which unfolded around 7 am, left residents shaken and heightened concerns over security in the region.
According to separate statements issued by the two bodies, unidentified assailants allegedly carried out an unprovoked attack, firing weapons and detonating explosive devices within the village limits. Although no loss of life was reported, several houses were damaged in the incident. The explosions and gunshots caused widespread panic, with women and children particularly affected by the trauma of the early-morning assault.
The Kuki Inpi South-West Sadar Hills described the incident as a grave breakdown of law and order, calling it deeply disturbing and unacceptable, especially at a time when Manipur is under President’s Rule. The organisation warned that such acts of violence pose a serious threat to innocent civilians and risk worsening communal tensions in an already sensitive environment. It urged the authorities to respond decisively, stressing that any delay could embolden disruptive elements and further destabilise the area.
Demanding accountability, the Kuki Inpi called for the immediate identification and arrest of those involved, insisting that strict punishment was necessary to deter similar incidents in the future. It highlighted the psychological impact of the attack, noting that the atmosphere of fear and distress among villagers must be addressed through firm and visible action by the administration.
The Kharam Vaiphei Village Authority echoed these concerns, branding the assault a cowardly and provocative act aimed at undermining peace and security. Expressing alarm over the use of firearms and explosives in a civilian settlement, the authority said the incident amounted to a direct threat to the safety of residents. It appealed to law enforcement agencies to strengthen vigilance, ensure effective policing in vulnerable areas and take proactive steps to prevent a recurrence.
Both the Kuki Inpi and the Village Authority reaffirmed their commitment to peace, harmony and communal unity. They cautioned against the spread of misinformation or inflammatory narratives that could further inflame tensions and called on the authorities to uphold the rule of law through swift and transparent action to protect innocent civilians and restore public confidence.
