Photo Courtesy: Satellite imagery of Lhungjang, a new Kuki settlement in early 2011
Imphal: Lhungjang, described by local sources as a relatively new Kuki settlement along IT Road in Kangpokpi district, was allegedly attacked by armed miscreants in the early hours of Monday, according to the Kuki Village Volunteers, Twilang Lhang. Local sources said the settlement emerged sometime between 2005 and 2010, although the timeline could not be independently verified. Satellite imagery from February 2011 shows a relatively small cluster of huts at the site, while imagery from January 2024 shows substantial expansion and development.
The group, in a press release issued on September 7, said the incident took place approximately between 5:00 a.m to 5:30a.m. after state and central security forces reached the spot. The Kuki Village Volunteers alleged that members of NSCN-IM and the Liangmei Village Guard were involved in the attack and that villagers and civilians were targeted. The allegations have not been independently verified.
The Kuki Village Volunteers described the alleged attack as a grave act, called for those responsible to be held accountable and warned that attacks on Kuki villages and civilians could not continue without consequences. It also called upon the government and security authorities to take immediate and concrete measures to protect vulnerable villages and prevent further violence.
The contrasting response times have raised questions among observers over the consistency of security deployment in attacks involving different communities. Observers said central forces, including the CRPF, stationed barely 2 km from Tapon Naga village, reportedly took around 9 hours to reach the village after it came under attack by alleged Kuki militants last week. In contrast, state and central security forces reportedly reached Lhungjang, a new Kuki settlement within minutes of Monday’s attack.
The comparison raises questions over whether security forces have responded consistently to incidents involving different communities in conflict-affected areas of IT Road in Kangpokpi District.
Kuki Village Volunteers, Twilang Lhang warns of further deterioration
The Kuki Village Volunteers warned that repeated attacks on Kuki villages would not be met with silence or continued restraint. At the same time, the group placed responsibility on the government to protect civilians and prevent further violence.
Authorities have yet to provide an official account of the incident.
This is a developing story.
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