Three villagers killed, houses torched in Manipur; CM condemns attack

GUWAHATI Unidentified gunmen killed three Kuki villagers, including a woman, and torched seven houses in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district around 4 a.m. on Friday (June 5, 2026). The incident occurred in Loibol Khullen, a small village in the Kuki-dominated district’s Saitu-Gamphazol subdivision. The Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), the apex body of the Kuki community in Manipur, accused members of the Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN) and its “proxy”, the Kamson faction of the Zeliangrong United Front. The NSCN is also referred to as the Isak-Muivah faction of the Socialist Council of Nagaland. The Naga groups have not as yet reacted to the allegation. “This reprehensible act of violence has resulted in the tragic killing of three innocent civilians – Letkhongam Haokip, his wife Tinmary Haokip, and Jangminlal Haokip – while seven houses were reduced to ashes and substantial damage was inflicted upon civilian properties,” the KIM stated in a statement condemning the attack. “…The deliberate killing of innocent persons and the destruction of homes and livelihoods constitute a serious violation of human dignity and fundamental human rights. The deliberate targeting of civilians and the destruction of homes can never be justified under any circumstances,” the organisation said. The KIM urged the Centre and the security agencies to probe the incident, apprehend the perpetrators, and ensure that justice is delivered without delay. “The authorities must also take urgent measures to safeguard vulnerable villages and prevent further attacks on innocent civilians,” it said. Separate administration demand Condemning the attack, the Kuki-Zo Council said that the continued atrocities against the Kuki-Zo people have reaffirmed the legitimacy of the demand for a separate administration. “We, therefore, call upon the Government of India to expedite a political solution to our long-standing demands so that the Kuki-Zo people may live in peace, security, and dignity, like every other citizen of India,” it said in a statement. Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh also condemned the “brutal” and “cowardly” attack that resulted in the killing of three civilians. “The deliberate targeting of unarmed civilians is completely unacceptable, and the government will not spare those responsible for this barbaric act,” he said, asking the State police and Central security agencies to apprehend the perpetrators at the earliest. He also instructed the authorities in the affected areas to enhance security in vulnerable areas and provide necessary relief to the affected families. Friday’s attack came less than 24 hours after the All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur, launched a march from Ukhrul to a village in Kangpokpi district to meet the families of six Naga men who have been missing since soon after three church leaders were killed on May 13. Two Kuki organisations opposed the march, saying it could trigger tension as the route passes through Kuki-dominated areas.