Fresh violence was reported in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district after the Naga Tapon (Old) Village Authority alleged that three Liangmai Naga villages came under an armed attack, with sustained firing and incidents of arson reported in the early hours of September 1.
According to the village authority, the incident affected Pipuram Makui, Naga Tapon (Old) and Naga Tapon Namsan (New) villages under the T Waichong sub-division. The attack allegedly began at around 3.30 am and continued for several hours, leaving two civilians injured and causing extensive damage to houses, vehicles and other properties.
Firing Reported in Three Liangmai Naga Villages
The Naga Tapon (Old) Village Authority said armed attackers allegedly opened fire on the villages during the early hours of the morning. According to the statement, the firing continued for several hours before security forces reached the affected areas around noon.
The incident has added to concerns over the continuing security situation in Kangpokpi district, where tensions and sporadic violence have been reported in recent months.
Police reports cited separately said unknown armed individuals attacked villages along the Imphal–Tamenglong Road, while authorities began assessing the extent of the damage caused during the violence.
Two Civilians Reportedly Injured
The village authority identified the two injured persons as G Abonmai, vice-president of Tapon Namsan village, and Luithuibou Newmai, pastor of the Naga Tapon Baptist Church.
According to the authority, both sustained injuries during the incident. Newmai was reported to be in critical condition.
The attack on the villages reportedly caused panic among residents, with the authority alleging that armed individuals entered residential areas during the violence.
Houses and Vehicles Allegedly Set Ablaze
The Naga village authority alleged that several houses and properties were burnt or damaged during the attack.
In Naga Tapon Namsan, it claimed that 18 houses, a truck, two two-wheelers, an Eeco van, a rice mill and church properties were damaged or set on fire.
In Naga Tapon (Old), the authority alleged that 10 houses, two trucks and a JCB were burnt, while the local Baptist Church also sustained damage.
Food stocks, granaries, household belongings and other livelihood assets were also reportedly destroyed in the arson, further affecting families living in the villages.
Separate reports citing police said at least 30 houses and several vehicles and other properties were found damaged during the violence across the affected villages.
Village Authority Questions Security Response
The Naga Tapon (Old) Village Authority also raised concerns regarding the response of security personnel during the incident.
According to its statement, a CRPF unit stationed at Banglabung, located around two kilometres from Naga Tapon, was informed about the attack. However, the authority alleged that security personnel reached the affected villages only later.
The claims made by the village authority could not be independently verified, and there was no immediate official statement confirming the full extent of the damage or detailing the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Allegations of Armed Group Involvement
The village authority further alleged possible involvement of individuals associated with Kuki armed groups in planning or coordinating the attack.
However, these allegations have not been independently established, and no immediate response from the individuals or groups named in the authority’s statement was available.
Authorities are expected to continue investigating the incident to determine the identity of those involved and establish the sequence of events that led to the violence.
Demand for Security and Independent Investigation
Following the attack, the Naga Tapon Village Authority demanded the permanent deployment of security forces in the affected villages.
It also called for search operations in surrounding areas and an independent investigation into the incident. The authority sought immediate medical assistance for those injured and humanitarian relief for families affected by the alleged firing and arson.
Compensation for damaged houses, agricultural assets, livestock and other properties was also among the demands raised by the village authority.
The fresh violence comes amid continuing tensions in parts of Kangpokpi and neighbouring districts, with local communities expressing concerns over security and civilian safety. Authorities are expected to assess the situation and take further measures to prevent any escalation of violence in the area.