Kamjong (Manipur), 11 June (HS): Fresh violence rocked Manipur's Kamjong district on Thursday morning when armed militants reportedly attacked Kultuh Kuki village, leaving two villagers dead, injuring others and reducing several houses to ashes.

According to local sources, the assailants entered the village at daybreak and allegedly opened indiscriminate fire before torching residential buildings. The sudden assault triggered panic among residents, forcing many families to abandon their homes and seek refuge in nearby forests. At least six houses were destroyed in the attack.

The Eastern Kuki Chiefs' Association identified the deceased as Letminlun Haokip, Head Deacon of Kultuh Church and Lunminthang Haokip, Chairman of the Church Youth Committee. Two other villagers reportedly sustained injuries during the incident.

The latest attack comes amid heightened tensions in the state following the recovery of the bodies of six abducted Naga men in neighboring Kangpokpi district. The killings sparked widespread outrage and protests across several areas, including incidents of vandalism targeting a political party office in Senapati district.

In response to the deteriorating security situation, Manipur Police and central security forces have strengthened deployments along sensitive areas of Kamjong and adjoining districts to prevent any escalation of inter-community violence.

Meanwhile, Kuki civil society organizations have strongly condemned the attack, describing it as a deliberate act of terror. They have demanded an impartial investigation and swift action against those responsible. Authorities said a formal probe has been launched and efforts are underway to identify the militant group involved in the assault.------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash