Three Kuki villagers killed in attack in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district

GUWAHATI

Unidentified gunmen killed three Kuki villagers, including a woman, and set fire to seven houses in Kangpokpi district of Manipur around 4 am on Friday, June 5, 2026.

The incident took place in Loibol Khullen, a small village in the Saitu-Gamphazol subdivision of the Kuki-majority district.

Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), the apex body of the Kuki community in Manipur, has accused members of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN) and its “surrogate” Kamson faction of the Zeliangrong United Front. NSCN is also referred to as the Isak-Muivah faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland. Naga groups are yet to react to the allegation.

“This reprehensible act of violence resulted in the tragic killing of three innocent civilians – Letkhongam Haokip, his wife Tinmary Haokip and Jangminlal Haokip; seven houses were reduced to ashes and serious damage was caused to civilian properties,” KIM said in a statement condemning the attack. The statement was included.

The organization said, “…The deliberate killing of innocent people and the destruction of homes and livelihoods is a serious violation of human dignity and basic human rights. The deliberate targeting of civilians and the destruction of homes cannot be justified under any circumstances.”

KIM called on the Center and security agencies to investigate the incident, catch the perpetrators and ensure that justice is served without delay.

“Authorities also need to take urgent measures to protect vulnerable villages and prevent further attacks on innocent civilians,” the statement said.

Separate management request

Condemning the attack, the Kuki-Zo Council said the ongoing persecution of the Kuki-Zo people reaffirms the legitimacy of the demand for a separate administration.

“We therefore call on the Government of India to expedite a political solution to our long-standing demands so that the Kuki-Zo people can live in peace, security and dignity like other citizens of India,” the statement said.

Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh also condemned the “brutal” and “cowardly” attack that resulted in the death of three civilians.

“Deliberate targeting of unarmed civilians is absolutely unacceptable and the government will not spare those responsible for this barbaric act,” he said, asking the State police and Central security agencies to nab the perpetrators at the earliest.

He also instructed authorities in the affected areas to increase security in sensitive areas and provide necessary assistance to affected families.

Friday’s attack took place less than 24 hours after the Manipur All Naga Students Association launched a march from Ukhrul to a village in Kangpokpi district to meet the families of six Naga men who went missing shortly after the killing of three church leaders on May 13.

Two Kuki organizations opposed the march, saying it could trigger tensions because the route passes through Kuki-dominated areas.