Imphal: An armed attack in Loibol Khullen village within the Kangpokpi district left three villagers dead and seven houses destroyed early Friday morning. Police reported that suspected militants entered the area around 4:00 a.m. and opened fire on residents before fleeing the scene.
The victims were identified as 34-year-old Letkhongam Haokip, his 25-year-old wife Tinmary Tuboi Haokip, and 30-year-old Jangminlal Haokip. In addition to the homes, the attackers burned a Gypsy vehicle and a Mahindra pickup truck. Security forces have since launched a search operation to track down the assailants.
Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh condemned the violence, stating that the deliberate targeting of unarmed civilians is completely unacceptable and the government will not spare those responsible for this barbaric act. He has ordered state police and central agencies to apprehend the perpetrators immediately and increase security in vulnerable regions.
The Kuki Inpi Manipur organization blamed cadres from the NSCN-IM and ZUF (K) for the violence. They issued a statement denouncing the incident as a barbaric act and demanded that those responsible face justice. Separately, the Chief Minister offered condolences following the recent stabbing death of Havildar Kh. Suresh Singh, noting that police have already arrested the primary suspect in that case.
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