Violence Erupts in Manipur, Injuring Two Including Child

Incident Overview

Imphal, July 6: A new wave of violence struck Thingkhongjang village in the K. Geljang Sub-Division of Manipur's Kangpokpi district on Sunday evening, resulting in injuries to two individuals, including an eight-year-old girl, due to alleged gunfire. Reports indicate that multiple homes were also set ablaze during the incident.

The victims have been identified as Nengneichong Kipgen, aged 56, and Lamneingah Kipgen, aged 8, both from the village. They reportedly suffered bullet wounds to their left thighs and were initially transported to the 9 Sector Hospital by the Additional Superintendent of Police (Operations) in Kangpokpi for urgent medical care.

Eyewitness accounts suggest that the shooting began around 5:10 PM when suspected armed assailants opened fire on the village, injuring the two residents and igniting panic among the local population. Security forces quickly arrived at the scene following the outbreak of violence.

Later that evening, around 9 PM, both injured individuals were transferred to the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Imphal for advanced treatment. Hospital officials confirmed their admission and stated that they were taken to the Minor Operation Theatre for further assessment and care, with their conditions reported as stable.

In response to the violence, Kuki Inpi Manipur issued a strong condemnation, labeling the incident a "barbaric and cowardly attack" on innocent villagers.

According to a statement from their media cell, the organization accused armed members of NSCN (IM) and its alleged affiliate ZUF-Kamson of orchestrating the attack. They claimed that civilian homes were intentionally set on fire and that women and children were specifically targeted during the assault.

KIM raised concerns regarding the security measures in place, pointing out that the attack occurred despite the proximity of the 86 Battalion's F Company. They described the incident as a significant security failure and expressed confusion over how heavily armed militants could infiltrate the village, execute the attack, and escape without intervention from security personnel.

Referring to previous assurances from the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police of Kangpokpi, KIM noted that the district administration had repeatedly promised to ensure the safety of villagers. They claimed there was an agreement with the Manipur government that the district police would safeguard the villages, making it unnecessary for Kuki-Zo volunteers to provide protection.

KIM is demanding accountability and has called for an independent, transparent, and timely judicial inquiry into the events. They stated, "The Kuki Inpi Manipur unequivocally demands immediate accountability from all officers whose negligence or failure of command contributed to this incident, pending the completion of an independent judicial inquiry. The people deserve a transparent, impartial, and time-bound investigation capable of establishing the full facts, identifying every individual responsible for operational failures, and ensuring that appropriate legal and disciplinary action follows without delay."

As of now, there has been no immediate response from the Manipur Police, security forces, or the organizations mentioned in KIM's allegations. The claims made by KIM have not been independently verified.