Kangpokpi (Manipur), 05 June (HS): Three civilians were killed in a gun attack by armed assailants in Loibol Khullen village under the New Keithelmanbi area of Manipur’s Kangpokpi district in the early hours of Friday. The attack, which reportedly took place around 4 a.m., also left several houses and vehicles damaged due to arson.

The deceased have been identified as 34-year-old Letkhongam Haokip, son of Manglung Haokip; his wife Tinmeri Tuboi Haokip, 25; and 30-year-old Jangmental Haokip, son of Seikhohao Haokip. According to police sources, the attackers allegedly entered residential houses and opened fire on sleeping villagers, resulting in the deaths of the three civilians.

Officials said several houses were set ablaze during the incident, forcing many residents to flee the village and seek shelter in safer locations. Preliminary reports indicate that six to seven houses, along with a Gypsy vehicle and a Mahindra Bolero pick-up van, were torched by the assailants.

Security forces have since been deployed in the area, and strict surveillance is being maintained to prevent any further escalation. Authorities have not yet released an official assessment of the total damage caused by the attack.

Meanwhile, in separate statements, the Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) and the Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO), South West Sadar Hills Block, condemned the killings and alleged that heavily armed cadres of NSCN-IM, ZUF (K) and ZUF-Camson were responsible for the attack. The organisations expressed deep concern over the loss of civilian lives and destruction of property.

They have urged the Government of India and security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation, identify those responsible and take stringent legal action. The organisations also called for enhanced security arrangements in vulnerable areas to prevent similar incidents and ensure the safety of local residents.---------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash