Imphal: The Liangmai Naga Council, Manipur, has condemned an alleged armed attack on three Liangmai Naga villages in Kangpokpi district early on September 1 and called for immediate government action, including a probe into the reported delay in the arrival of security personnel.
In a press statement issued on September 1, the council said the incident took place at around 3:30 am at Pipuram Makui, Naga Tapon (Old) Village and Naga Tapon Namsan (New) Village, under T. Waichong subdivision of Kangpokpi district.
According to the council, a large group of heavily armed Kuki militants, which it estimated at more than 300, allegedly attacked the three villages simultaneously. The council described the attack as coordinated and premeditated, saying villagers were forced to flee as houses and property were set on fire.
The statement said the violence continued for several hours and that security personnel reached the affected villages at around 12:30 pm.
The council reported extensive damage to homes and livelihood assets. In Naga Tapon (Old) Village, it said eight houses, two trucks and a JCB machine were burnt. In Naga Tapon Namsan (New) Village, it reported that 12 houses, a truck, two-wheelers, an Eeco van and a rice mill were gutted.
Two villagers were also reported injured.
The council said Luithuibou Newmai, pastor of Tapon Naga (Old) Village, was shot and critically wounded while attempting to escape. Another villager, G. Abonmai, vice-president of the Youth Club of Naga Tapon Namsan (New) Village, was also wounded, according to the statement.
Council questions security response
A major concern raised by the Liangmai Naga Council was the reported response of the security forces stationed near the affected area.
The council said 112 Battalion CRPF, Echo Company, stationed at Banglabung, approximately two kilometres from Tapon Naga Village, was repeatedly alerted about the attack but did not reach the villages until around 12:30 pm.
It has demanded an immediate, impartial and time-bound inquiry into the reported delay, including an examination of the distress calls received, the actions taken by security personnel and the reasons for the delay in reaching the villages.
Seven-point demand
The council has called on the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Manipur government and security and law-enforcement agencies to take immediate measures to protect the affected villages.
- Among its demands are permanent deployment of security forces in and around Naga Tapon (Old), Naga Tapon Namsan (New) and Pipuram Makui, as well as action to locate and apprehend those responsible for the attack in accordance with law.
- It has also sought government-funded specialised medical treatment for the injured, humanitarian assistance including food grains and temporary shelter for affected families, and full compensation and rehabilitation for destroyed houses, vehicles, agricultural and livelihood assets and food reserves.
- The council further called for stronger security infrastructure and rapid-response mechanisms in vulnerable border areas to prevent further attacks.
Council links incident to earlier killings
The statement also referred to the reported killing of four Liangmai civilians a few days earlier while they were travelling between Makui-Ashang and Thanamba Naga Village.
The council said the proximity and timing of the two incidents had heightened its concern over what it described as an escalating threat to Liangmai Naga civilians and villages in the area.
Calling for immediate protection of civilians, the council urged the governments of India and Manipur to secure the affected villages, protect homes and livelihoods, and bring those responsible for the attacks to justice.
Note: The allegations regarding the attackers, the number of militants involved, the destruction and the delayed security response are based on the Liangmai Naga Council's press statement. The statement itself does not include an independent account from the accused side or a response from the security forces.
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