Manipur: 3 killed, 7 houses burnt in Kangpokpi militant attack

A pre-dawn suspected militant attack in Manipur's Kangpokpi district on Friday, June 5, 2026, resulted in the deaths of three civilians and the burning of seven houses. The attack occurred around 4 a.m. in Loibol Khullen village, located in the Saitu-Gamphazol subdivision. The deceased have been identified as Letkhongam Haokip, his wife Tinmary Haokip, and Jangminlal Haokip, all residents of the village. The Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), the apex body representing the Kuki-Zo tribes, has alleged that the attack was carried out by armed cadres of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN-IM) and its alleged proxy outfit, the Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF-K). KIM condemned the incident as a "barbaric act of violence" against unarmed civilians, stating that the deliberate killing of innocent people and the destruction of homes violated human dignity and fundamental human rights. This incident is the latest in a series of escalating ethnic tensions and violence that have plagued Manipur since May 2023. The conflict, primarily between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, has led to significant loss of life, displacement, and destruction of property. The attacks often involve allegations of involvement from various armed groups, and official statements confirming the circumstances or perpetrators are often delayed. In response to the attack, KIM has urged the Central Government and security agencies to conduct an immediate investigation, apprehend those responsible, and ensure swift justice. They have also called for enhanced security measures in vulnerable villages to prevent further attacks. The Manipur Deputy Chief Minister, Nemcha Kipgen, condemned the attack and assured that those responsible would be dealt with according to the law, emphasizing the government's priority on the safety and security of its people. She also appealed for calm and urged citizens not to be provoked by elements seeking to create fear and division. The broader context of violence in Manipur includes inter-community clashes, ambushes, and attacks on villages. For instance, on May 13, 2026, three church leaders were killed in an ambush in Kangpokpi, with Kuki organizations blaming the ZUF and NSCN-IM. Earlier in June 2024, a police convoy was ambushed in Kangpokpi, with Kuki-Zo groups alleging the involvement of the Arambai Tenggol and UNLF. The year 2024 has been marked by continued turmoil, with ethnic violence spreading to new areas like Jiribam district, bordering Assam. As of the reporting date, the allegations made by KIM have not been independently verified, and there has been no immediate response from the groups named. The situation remains tense, with security forces deployed to the area and efforts underway to monitor the situation closely. The ongoing conflict in Manipur has resulted in over 250 deaths and tens of thousands displaced since it began in May 2023. The Hindustan Times, as the source of the article, is a reputable Indian daily newspaper with a long history, founded in 1924 and inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi. It is part of HT Media, controlled by the Birla family. While generally considered a credible source, like any news outlet, its reporting is subject to the constraints of real-time events and the information available at the time of publication. The provided article is consistent with reporting from multiple other credible news outlets, corroborating the main facts of the incident.

Frequently Asked Questions

Read Full Story on Quick Digest