Imphal: Tensions escalated in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district on Saturday after armed assailants attacked village volunteers, killing one and injuring two others. The violence occurred near the border of Lasan Kuki village and Langka Liangmei Naga village, disrupting the funeral proceedings for Haogin Lhouvum, a farmer killed during agricultural work on June 9.
Hundreds of mourners gathered at the Martyrs’ Cemetery in Phaijang to pay their respects to Lhouvum despite heavy rainfall. The burial service was organized by the Committee on Tribal Unity and attended by various community leaders and civil society representatives.
While Kuki organizations initially planned to lift a regional shutdown following the burial, they opted to extend the strike indefinitely. The groups also declared an economic blockade to protest the government's failure to provide adequate security in vulnerable regions.
Janghaolun Haokip, a spokesperson for the Kuki civil society organizations in Kangpokpi, criticized the authorities for the lack of protection provided to local residents. He stated, "The government has repeatedly failed to ensure the safety of our people despite persistent appeals. The continuing attacks and killings are a direct consequence of that failure."
Haokip added that local volunteers have been forced to take up defensive roles in the absence of official security support. The blockade will remain in place until the government implements concrete measures to secure the area and addresses broader political concerns raised by the Kuki community.
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