Manipur violence on Republic Day: K. Songlung village torched as ZUF claims “enforcement action” in Kangpokpi

Even as the nation celebrated the 77th Republic Day, a serious incident of violence was reported from Manipur’s Kangpokpi district, where K. Songlung Kuki village in the Kangchup area was set ablaze by armed men on January 26.

According to local sources, the incident took place around noon, when several houses were allegedly torched, forcing residents to flee and leaving many displaced. 

The attack was carried out in broad daylight and has heightened concerns over civilian safety in the hill districts.

Videos purportedly showing the incident have surfaced on social media, depicting houses engulfed in flames and villagers fleeing the area. One widely circulated clip shows an elderly man seated on the ground as homes burn behind him. Authorities have not yet independently verified the authenticity of these visuals.

Meanwhile, the Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) issued a press communiqué on January 26, claiming responsibility for what it described as an “enforcement action” against illegal poppy cultivation, narcotics trafficking and unauthorised encroachment in the Waphong area of the Songnung Sadar Hills under Kangpokpi district. 

Also Read: Security forces recover large cache of arms, ammunition and explosives across Manipur in multi-district operations

In the statement, the outfit said the action was carried out after repeated public warnings and alleged that farmhouses, farms and other structures linked to illegal activities were dismantled at around 12.15 pm.

The communiqué asserted that the group would not permit what it termed illegal settlers or activities on ancestral land of the Zeliangrong Inpui Naga people and reiterated its resolve to eliminate poppy cultivation and narcotics networks from the region.

The incident comes amid prolonged unrest in Manipur, which has witnessed repeated episodes of violence and displacement over the past few years. 

The events of Republic Day have once again drawn attention to the fragile security situation in parts of the state.

Security forces have been alerted and further details are awaited as the situation continues to develop.