Manipur: Fresh attack during Lasan victim’s funeral leaves three injured, Kuki bodies demand action

A fresh incident of violence that left three youths injured, including a footballer associated with Mohun Bagan, overshadowed the funeral of a victim of the recent Lasan–Langka attack on Monday, June 15 as Kuki civil society organisations renewed allegations against NSCN-IM and its alleged proxy outfit ZUF-K and called for immediate government intervention.

The latest violence occurred even as thousands of Kuki residents gathered at the Martyrs' Cemetery in Phaijang to pay their final respects to Jangngam Hangshing, who was killed in the June 13 Lasan–Langka attack, which community organisations alleged was carried out by cadres linked to NSCN-IM and ZUF-K.

According to reports, a fresh bombing incident took place at Leilon Munlui village early Monday, June 15 morning, leaving three youths injured. The injured were identified as Genlenmang Vaiphei (15), Paogoulal Chongloi (18), a footballer associated with Mohun Bagan, and Lunliandaw Vaiphei (20), an internally displaced person.

All three were shifted to Imphal for medical treatment. Civil society organisations later expressed concern over reports that a crowd had gathered outside the hospital where the injured were admitted.

The attack unfolded during funeral proceedings for Hangshing, whose mortal remains had been brought to Kangpokpi town on Sunday and kept overnight at the Town Committee Hall, where residents and community members paid their respects during a night-long vigil.

Following post-mortem procedures at the District Hospital on Monday, the body was taken to the Martyrs' Cemetery in Phaijang. Leaders of major Kuki organisations, including Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) and the Sadar Hills Chiefs' Association, paid tribute by draping traditional shawls over the coffin.

Kuki Inpi Manipur condemned the Leilon incident and described it as an attack on civilians. The organisation alleged the involvement of NSCN-IM and ZUF-K militants and demanded immediate identification, arrest and prosecution of those responsible.

“Justice must not be delayed. Peace cannot be restored without accountability,” KIM stated while urging authorities to take decisive action.

The organisation also questioned what it described as the inability of authorities to prevent recurring incidents of violence, warning that continued inaction could deepen public mistrust.

The Leimakhong Area Chiefs' Organisation (LACO) also condemned the attack and alleged that cadres linked to NSCN and ZUF launched the assault at around 6 a.m., resulting in injuries to three civilians.

LACO raised concerns regarding reports that the attackers had allegedly moved through areas under security surveillance and called for an impartial inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The organisation further referred to a video circulating on social media that purportedly showed local women preventing an Indian Army column from entering the area while permitting only CRPF personnel to move. LACO said the developments required immediate and independent investigation.

Calling for accountability, LACO urged both the state and central governments to conduct a thorough probe and consider changes to the existing security deployment if public confidence could not be restored.

The organisation also reiterated the Kuki community’s demand for Separate Administration, arguing that recurring violence and insecurity over the past three years underscored the need for a long-term political solution.

Meanwhile, the indefinite shutdown and economic blockade enforced by Kuki civil society organisations continued across Kangpokpi district, disrupting normal life and reflecting growing public anger.

As mourners laid one victim to rest, the fresh violence reported from a neighbouring village highlighted the continuing volatility in the hill district, with community organisations maintaining that accountability and effective security measures remain essential to restoring normalcy.