Three civilians killed, houses damaged in Manipur's Kangpokpi village attack; Kuki Inpi seeks probe

Three civilians were killed and several houses were damaged in an armed attack on a village in Manipur's Kangpokpi district in the early hours of Friday, June 5, prompting fresh concerns over security in the area.

According to reports, the incident took place around 4 am at Loibol village under the New Keithelmanbi area of Kangpokpi district. Heavy firing was reported from the locality during the attack.

The deceased have been identified as Letkhongam Haokip, Tinmary Haokip and Jangminlal Haokip. Local sources said the three were residents of the affected village.

Reports from the area indicated that several houses were also set on fire during the incident, forcing villagers to flee to safer locations. The extent of damage is yet to be officially assessed.

Authorities have not yet issued an official statement regarding the circumstances of the attack or the identity of those involved. Security forces were reportedly deployed to the area following the incident, and the situation is being closely monitored.

According to police, suspected armed miscreants attacked Loibol Khullen village, located under the New Keithelmanbi area of Kangpokpi district, at around 4 a.m. on Friday.

Police said the assailants allegedly entered residential houses and opened fire on villagers while they were asleep. Three residents — Letkhongam Haokip (34), son of Manglung Haokip; his wife Tinmary Tuboi Haokip (25); and Jangmental Haokip (30), son of Seikhohao Haokip — succumbed to bullet injuries during the attack.

In addition to the fatalities, several houses and vehicles were damaged. Police reported that between six and seven houses were set on fire, along with a Gypsy vehicle and a Mahindra Bolero pick-up truck.

"Investigation is going on," police said, adding that security personnel were deployed to the area following the incident.

Meanwhile, Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), a Kuki civil society organisation, condemned the killings and expressed concern over the loss of civilian lives and destruction of property.

In a statement, KIM urged the Government of India and security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident, identify those responsible and ensure that appropriate action is taken in accordance with the law.

The organisation also called for enhanced security measures in vulnerable areas to prevent further incidents and to ensure the safety of local residents.

The latest incident comes amid continuing security challenges in parts of Manipur, where tensions and sporadic incidents of violence have periodically been reported over the past several months.

Further details are awaited as authorities continue to assess the situation.