Two civilians belonging to the Kuki community were killed and around 30 houses set ablaze after suspected militants launched a pre-dawn attack on Kultuh Kuki village in Manipur’s Kamjong district on Thursday, triggering fresh tensions in the violence-hit state.
According to police, the attack took place at around 4:55 a.m. in the remote village located near the India-Myanmar border. Armed assailants reportedly opened fire on residents before torching several houses in the settlement.
Officials said security forces have since been deployed to the area and have secured the village. However, the identity of the attackers has not yet been officially established and investigations are underway.
The incident comes a day after the recovery of the bodies of six Naga civilians who had been missing since May 13 and were suspected to have been held hostage by armed groups, adding to concerns over the deteriorating security situation in parts of the state.
Condemning the attack, the Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) described it as a “pre-dawn massacre and arson” and alleged that the assault was carried out by a combined force of cadres of the NSCN-IM and militants belonging to the Myanmar-based Shanni Nationalities Army (SNA).
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In a statement, KIM claimed that two church workers were killed during the attack and alleged that their bodies were mutilated and burned. The organisation further claimed that eyewitnesses had reported the involvement of some Tangkhul civilians in facilitating the assault.
Describing the incident as an act of “external aggression rather than an internal clash,” KIM demanded an independent judicial inquiry into the killings and arson. The organisation also called for the immediate arrest of those responsible for the attack, as well as any alleged local collaborators.
The tribal body urged the government to strengthen security along the Indo-Myanmar border and provide adequate compensation and rehabilitation assistance to the families affected by the violence.
KIM further criticised the Centre over what it described as inadequate border security, stating that continued inaction in the face of “clear external aggression” was unacceptable and posed a serious threat to the safety of border communities.
Meanwhile, the Kuki Baptist Convention also condemned the attack and expressed concern over the loss of civilian lives and destruction of property. The organisation urged the authorities to take decisive and comprehensive measures to ensure the safety and security of innocent civilians living in vulnerable areas.
The latest incident has once again highlighted the fragile security situation in Manipur’s border districts, with community organisations calling for swift action to prevent further violence and ensure justice for the victims.
