The Kuki-Zo Village Volunteers (KZVV), Twilang Lhang, condemned the pre-dawn attack on Lhungjang, and warned that repeated attacks on civilians would not be met with silence, while demanding stronger security and accountability for those responsible.
BY PC Bureau
September 7: A pre-dawn exchange of fire in Lhungjang village of Manipur’s Kangpokpi district was followed by the burning of a primary school on Monday, prompting strong condemnation from Kuki-Zo civil society groups and fresh accusations over the role of armed groups.
The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), Sadar Hills, and the Kuki-Zo Village Volunteers (KZVV), Twilang Lhang, alleged that NSCN (IM) and other armed elements were behind the attack. Police have not confirmed the identity or affiliation of the attackers, saying an investigation is underway.
According to police, armed men approached the village at around 5 am, triggering a nearly 30-minute exchange of fire with Manipur Rifles and IRB personnel deployed in the area. No casualties were reported in the gunfight. The attackers allegedly fled after the exchange and subsequently set fire to Lhungjang Primary School, which was completely destroyed.
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CoTU described the incident as a deliberate attempt to provoke retaliation and inflame tensions in Kangpokpi. It alleged that the attack was politically motivated and accused NSCN (IM)-linked elements and the ZUF of using violence to destabilise the region. The organisation also demanded action against legislators whom it accused of supporting or failing to challenge armed groups.
KZVV Twilang Lhang separately condemned the attack on civilians and the destruction of the school, questioning why a village with security personnel deployed inside it remained vulnerable.
The NSCN-IM and its proxy LVG burnt Lhungjang Primary School, Kangpokpi, at 5am today. The Kuki-Zo village volunteer,Twilang Lhang, strongly condemns this cowardly attack on the temple of learning@ANI @PTI_News @PIBHomeAffairs @NENowNews @the_hindu @ThePrintIndia @IndiaTodayNE pic.twitter.com/ElI8Ev9Lod
— Sumkawn (@Sumkawn) September 7, 2026
The incident comes amid renewed Kuki-Naga tensions along the Imphal-Tamenglong Road corridor, where several villages have witnessed killings, arson and allegations of attacks by rival armed groups in recent months.
The violence also adds another layer to the wider conflict that erupted in Manipur in May 2023. While the Meitei-Kuki-Zo conflict remains unresolved, older Kuki-Naga tensions have resurfaced in parts of the hill districts.
For now, the identity of those responsible for the Lhungjang firing and school arson remains unconfirmed. Authorities are investigating the incident as security forces seek to prevent it from triggering another cycle of retaliatory violence.
