Fresh violence has been reported from Manipur’s Kangpokpi district, where three members of a Kuki family were killed and several houses were torched during an armed attack on Loibol Khullen village in the Saitu-Gamphazol subdivision in the early hours of Friday.

According to reports, the deceased have been identified as Letkhongam Haokip, his wife Tinmary Haokip, and Jangminlal Haokip. The attack also resulted in the destruction of seven houses, leaving residents of the village shaken.

Reacting strongly to the incident, the Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), the apex body representing the Kuki community, alleged that the assault was carried out by armed cadres of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN-IM) in association with the Zeliangrong United Front, which it described as a proxy organisation of the NSCN-IM.

“This reprehensible act of violence has resulted in the tragic killing of three innocent civilians and the destruction of homes and livelihoods,” KIM said in a statement.

The organisation asserted that there could be no justification for attacks on non-combatants and stressed that civilians and residential areas should never be targeted.

It stated that there was no justification under any circumstances for deliberately targeting civilians and burning homes.

KIM further urged the Union government and security agencies to take immediate action by conducting a thorough investigation into the killings and ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice. It also called for enhanced security arrangements in vulnerable areas to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The latest killings have once again highlighted the fragile security situation in Manipur, where ethnic tensions and sporadic violence continue to persist despite repeated assurances from the authorities.

Nearly three years after the conflict erupted, thousands of displaced residents are still living in relief camps awaiting rehabilitation and resettlement.

The attack at Loibol Khullen is expected to further heighten concerns over the safety of civilians in conflict-affected regions, with community organisations demanding stronger intervention to restore peace and prevent further loss of life and property.