An early-morning attack on Loibol Kholen village has left three civilians dead and seven houses destroyed, according to Kuki Inpi Manipur. The tribal body has called for a thorough investigation and enhanced security measures in vulnerable areas.
BY PC Bureau
June 5: Three civilians were killed and several homes were destroyed after Loibol Kholen village near Tupul in Kangpokpi district came under a major armed attack in the early hours of Friday, according to Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), which strongly condemned the incident and blamed cadres of NSCN-IM and its alleged proxy group ZUF (K).
The attack reportedly began at around 4:00 a.m. when heavily armed militants launched an assault on the village, triggering an exchange of fire that local sources said continued for more than an hour. The incident has renewed concerns over security in one of the most volatile regions affected by the ongoing ethnic conflict in Manipur.
In a press statement issued later in the day, Kuki Inpi Manipur, the apex body of the Kuki tribes, claimed that three civilians from Loibol Kholen were killed during the attack. The victims were identified as Letkhongam Haokip, his wife Tinmary Haokip, and Jangminlal Haokip. The organisation further alleged that seven houses were reduced to ashes and that civilian properties suffered extensive damage.
Describing the incident as a “barbaric attack” on unarmed civilians, KIM said the deliberate killing of innocent people and destruction of homes and livelihoods constituted a serious violation of human dignity and fundamental human rights.
“The deliberate targeting of civilians and the destruction of homes can never be justified under any circumstances,” the organisation said while extending condolences to the bereaved families and expressing solidarity with the residents of Loibol Kholen village.
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KIM called upon the Government of India and concerned security agencies to immediately launch a thorough investigation, apprehend those responsible, and ensure that justice is delivered without delay. It also urged authorities to strengthen security arrangements in vulnerable villages and prevent further attacks on civilians.
The tribal body further stated that those responsible for the killings must be held fully accountable and stressed the need to uphold the rule of law and protect innocent lives and property.
Loibol Kholen and surrounding areas have remained particularly vulnerable since the outbreak of the ethnic conflict in Manipur in May 2023. Residents have repeatedly raised concerns about the activities of armed groups operating in the region despite the presence of security forces. The latest attack is expected to intensify demands for stronger security measures and more effective action against militant groups operating in the hill districts.
No official statement from security agencies or the state administration had been issued at the time of filing this report.
