Kuki-Zo Volunteer Laid to Rest Following Fatal Kangpokpi Encounter

Imphal: Jangkhongam Hangshing, a 39-year-old Kuki-Zo village volunteer, was laid to rest at the Martyrs’ Cemetery in Phaijang Motbung on Monday. Hangshing, a resident of Lhouthang Village in Manipur’s Tamenglong District, died on 13 June 2026 during an area patrol near Lasan Village in Kangpokpi District.

The Committee on Tribal Unity organized the burial service, which began with an invocation prayer by Pastor Thanggin Vaiphei. During the ceremony, family members expressed their gratitude to the community for the support they received following the tragedy. Representatives from the Kuki Inpi Manipur and the Sadar Hills Chiefs’ Association spoke at the event, warning against divisive social media content and calling for public unity.

Government officials including Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen and MLAs Haokholet Kipgen and Kimneo Hangshing honored the volunteer by presenting a traditional shawl to his family. The service concluded with a gun salute from the Kuki-Zo Village Volunteers and a final prayer led by Rev. Thangsat Kipgen. Reflecting on the impact of such tensions, community leaders urged the public to "remain vigilant and promote peace and unity."