Two killed, two injured as armed assailants attack village in Manipur's Kamjong; houses set ablaze

Two people were killed and two others injured after unidentified armed assailants allegedly attacked a village in Manipur's Kamjong district in the early hours of June 11, police said.

The incident comes amid heightened tensions in the state following the recovery of six mutilated bodies believed to be those of missing Naga civilians abducted last month.

According to police, the attack occurred at Kultuh village around 4:30 am when armed miscreants, reportedly equipped with sophisticated firearms, entered the village and opened indiscriminate fire on residents.

During the assault, several houses were set ablaze. Police said at least seven houses were destroyed in the fire, resulting in extensive property damage.

The deceased have been identified as Letminlun Haokipop (35), son of Sonsei Haokipop, and Lunminthang Haokipop (23), son of Late Thankhahao Haokipop, both residents of Kultuh village. Local sources described the victims as active members of the community.

Two other villagers, identified as Jangkhomang (28), son of Yamkholun, and Kamminlal (27), son of Late Tilpao, sustained injuries in the attack. They were evacuated to a nearby hospital and are currently undergoing treatment.

Police said the attackers remain unidentified and security forces have launched an investigation into the incident. A search operation has also been initiated in and around the area.

A suo motu case has been registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, including charges of murder, attempt to murder, rioting, arson and unlawful use of firearms, along with Section 25(1-C) of the Arms Act, 1959.

Authorities said efforts are underway to identify and apprehend those involved in the attack. Additional security personnel have been deployed in the district to prevent any further escalation of violence.

The latest incident has raised fresh concerns over the security situation in Manipur, where sporadic violence continues to affect several districts despite ongoing efforts by security agencies to restore normalcy.