With 12 empty bullet shells found and no group claiming responsibility, authorities face pressure to act swiftly amid rising public outrage and panic.
BY PC Bureau
June 30, 2025 – A tragic incident unfolded in Manipur’s Churachandpur district on Monday afternoon when unidentified gunmen ambushed a car near Mongjang village, killing at least four people. The attack, which occurred around 2 pm, has sent shockwaves through the region, with authorities scrambling to identify the perpetrators and ascertain the motive behind the brutal killings.
Among the deceased was Thangboi Haokip, also known as Thahpi, who was reportedly serving as the Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the KNO—the political wing of the Kuki National Army (KNA).
According to police officials, the victims were traveling in a car along a road approximately 7 kilometers from Churachandpur town when they were targeted. A senior police officer from the Churachandpur district headquarters, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that preliminary investigations suggest the victims were shot at point-blank range, indicating a targeted and deliberate attack. “The assailants fired multiple rounds, and the nature of the attack suggests it was planned,” the officer stated.
The scene of the crime yielded over 12 empty bullet shells, pointing to the intensity of the gunfire. Forensic teams have been deployed to collect evidence and analyze the crime scene, but no breakthrough has been reported yet regarding the identities of the attackers or their motives. The identities of the victims are still under verification, with police working to notify their families and establish their backgrounds.
Major factional clash between 2 Kuki outfits in Churachandpur district. 3 KNO cadres killed in an ambush by another non-SoO outfit. One civilian woman also killed in cross firing. Dead KNO members include outfit’s deputy commander-in-chief Thangboi. Thangboi earlier linked to… pic.twitter.com/6SPvu5RaWv
— Joydeep Bharadwaj Hazarika (@Bharadwaj_Joy) June 30, 2025
Local residents reported hearing rapid gunfire in the area, prompting panic in Mongjang village and nearby communities. The incident has heightened fears in an already tense region, where ethnic and political tensions have occasionally flared into violence. Churachandpur, a district in southern Manipur, has witnessed sporadic unrest in recent years, often linked to disputes over land, resources, or ethnic rivalries. However, no organization or group has claimed responsibility for Monday’s attack, leaving investigators with little to go on in the immediate aftermath.
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A police spokesperson described the attack as “heinous” and assured that efforts are underway to bring the perpetrators to justice. “We are conducting a thorough investigation, and additional security forces have been deployed to the area to maintain law and order,” the spokesperson said. Checkpoints have been set up along key routes in and around Churachandpur, and patrols have been intensified to prevent further incidents.
The attack has drawn condemnation from local leaders and community members, who expressed grief and outrage over the loss of lives. “This is a cowardly act that has no place in our society. We demand swift action to ensure such tragedies are not repeated,” said a community leader from Churachandpur, who declined to be named due to the sensitivity of the situation.
Manipur has been grappling with intermittent violence, including insurgent activities and ethnic clashes, for decades. The state’s complex social fabric, with multiple ethnic groups and competing interests, has often made it a hotspot for unrest. Authorities have not ruled out the possibility that the attack could be linked to ongoing tensions in the region, though they are also exploring other angles, including personal enmity or localized disputes.
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The state government has yet to issue an official statement, but sources indicate that senior officials are closely monitoring the situation. The incident is likely to put pressure on the administration to address security concerns in Churachandpur and surrounding areas.
As the investigation continues, the people of Mongjang village and Churachandpur district remain on edge, mourning the loss of lives and seeking answers to the senseless violence. Police have appealed to the public for any information that could assist in identifying the gunmen, assuring confidentiality for those who come forward.
