Violence Erupts in Kangpokpi District: School Set Ablaze Amidst Ongoing Conflict

Violence has escalated in Kangpokpi district, with armed clashes leading to the destruction of Lhunjang UJB School. The conflict, marked by accusations between rival factions, has heightened tensions in the region. Recent attacks have resulted in casualties and property damage, raising concerns about safety and stability. A coalition of underground groups has also claimed responsibility for grenade attacks on local legislators, citing unmet demands for financial assistance. This ongoing turmoil reflects the broader issues of unrest in Manipur, prompting calls for unity among political leaders. Discover the full details of this alarming situation.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 7, 2026, 15:10 IST

Fresh Violence in Kangpokpi District

Torched remains of Lhunjang UJB School in a Kuki-inhabited area along the IT Road. (Photo)

Imphal, Sept 7: On Monday morning, violence flared up along the Imphal-Tamenglong (IT) Road in Kangpokpi district, marked by a fierce exchange of gunfire in Lhunjang village, which culminated in the destruction of a school.

According to police reports, the shooting commenced around 5 AM when armed individuals approached the village, lasting for approximately 30 minutes until security forces in the vicinity responded. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries.

In the aftermath of the gunfight, Lhunjang UJB School, situated in a Kuki-dominated area along the IT Road, was allegedly set ablaze and completely destroyed.

Local sources have pointed fingers at NSCN (IM) and ZUF-K for the arson, although there has been no official verification regarding the identities or affiliations of those involved.

This incident adds to a series of violent exchanges along the IT Road, where rival factions accuse each other of targeting villages and civilians. Such accusations have intensified the already heightened tensions in the region.

On August 31, an attack on N Teikhang village resulted in the deaths of three villagers, including two women, while four others sustained injuries, with numerous homes reportedly set on fire.

The following day, September 1, additional attacks and gunfire were reported in various Liangmai Naga villages along the IT Road, including Tapon Khullen, Tapon Khunou, and Makui Pipuram, where properties were destroyed and a pastor was injured.

In a separate development, a coalition of five banned underground groups in Manipur has taken responsibility for recent grenade attacks on two legislators, claiming these actions were a response to the lawmakers' failure to address requests for "financial assistance" made over the past year.

The G-5 coalition, which includes KCP, KYKL, PREPAK, PREPAK-Pro, and UNLF, has claimed responsibility for three recent attacks targeting BJP MLA Sapam Ranjan Singh, Congress MLA and CLP leader K Meghachandra Singh, as well as a fuel station in Thoubal district.

In a statement released by its Finance Committee on September 5, the coalition mentioned that it had previously approached the two legislators for “financial assistance” but did not receive the expected support.

They asserted that they waited nearly a year before taking action, alleging that the personal relations officers of the two MLAs were unresponsive and later acted in a manner deemed “disrespectful” by the coalition.

These claims remain unverified by law enforcement or the legislators involved.

The coalition's statement also criticized political leaders for failing to foster unity among the populace following the violence that erupted in Manipur on May 3, 2023.

They indicated their intention to continue monitoring leaders they hold accountable for divisions among the people and vowed not to remain silent against such behavior.