Myanmar-based militants behind deadly border attacks in Manipur, says NPF MLA Leishiyo Keishing

Leishiyo Keishing, on May 8, alleged that Myanmar-based militant groups carried out coordinated attacks on border villages in Manipur’s Kamjong district, describing the incident as a case of “external aggression” amid the state’s fragile return to normalcy.

Reacting to the attacks in the Phungyar border area, the NPF legislator said Manipur had already endured three years of unrest and inter-community conflict, but the latest violence marked a dangerous escalation involving foreign-based armed groups.

“For the last three years, Manipur has been under turmoil, and we have been deeply disturbed by the prevailing situation. Now, the state is slowly returning to normalcy. Until recently, the conflicts were internal, mainly between communities. However, today, on May 7, 2026, between 3.30 AM and 4.00 AM, some external underground groups and agencies attacked villages near the border areas. This is now a case of external aggression,” Keishing said.

He alleged that the Kuki National Army-Burma (KNA-B) and the People’s Democratic Force carried out attacks on border villages in Kamjong district under Kasom and Kamjong blocks.

According to the MLA, several houses were torched, and many others were looted during the attacks. He said Choro village suffered extensive destruction, with nearly all houses reduced to ashes except the church building.

“In Choro, almost all houses were burned except the church building. In Wangli, three houses were burned; in Namli, one house was burned, while many others were looted,” he said.

Keishing added that panic has gripped the region, forcing residents of Choro, Aloyo, Namlee and Wanglee villages to flee their homes in search of safety.