Two villagers were killed and two others injured after unidentified armed assailants attacked a remote village in Manipur's Kamjong district and set several houses on fire in the early hours of Thursday, in an incident that has further heightened tensions in the violence-hit state.
According to police, the attack took place at Kultuh village around 4.30 am when a group of armed men, reportedly carrying sophisticated weapons, entered the settlement and opened indiscriminate fire on residents. During the assault, the attackers also torched multiple houses, causing extensive damage to property.
Authorities said at least seven houses were destroyed in the blaze.
The deceased were identified as Letminlun Haokipop, 35, son of Sonsei Haokipop, and Lunminthang Haokipop, 23, son of Late Thankhahao Haokipop, both residents of Kultuh village. Local residents described the victims as active members of the community.
Two other villagers, Jangkhomang, 28, son of Yamkholun, and Kamminlal, 27, son of Late Tilpao, sustained injuries in the firing. They were rushed to a nearby hospital and are undergoing treatment.
Police said the attackers fled the scene after carrying out the assault and remain unidentified. Security forces have launched a search operation in and around the area to track down those responsible.
A suo motu case has been registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, including charges related to murder, attempt to murder, rioting, arson and unlawful use of firearms. Provisions under Section 25(1-C) of the Arms Act, 1959, have also been invoked.
Also read: Bodies of six suspected Naga hostages found in Manipur
Officials said efforts were underway to identify and apprehend the perpetrators. Additional security personnel have been deployed in Kamjong district to prevent any further escalation and maintain law and order.
The latest attack comes amid heightened tension across Manipur following the recovery of six mutilated bodies believed to be those of missing Naga civilians who were allegedly abducted last month.
NIA silent as probe into deaths of six Naga hostages continues
Officials of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and state security forces have declined to comment on the ongoing probe into the deaths of six alleged Naga hostages whose bodies were recently recovered in Manipur.
A team of NIA investigators visited the mortuary of the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) on Thursday and examined the remains as part of the investigation. The bodies, believed to be those of six civilians allegedly abducted on May 13, were recovered on Wednesday and brought to the hospital for post-mortem examination and identification.
Officials maintained that the investigation was at a sensitive stage and no information could be shared publicly. Sources said forensic examinations, DNA testing and evidence collection were being carried out to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The case has drawn widespread attention across Manipur, with growing demands for a transparent and comprehensive investigation. Security personnel remain deployed around the JNIMS premises after tensions flared on Tuesday evening when hundreds gathered awaiting the arrival of the bodies. The crowd later turned agitated, prompting security forces to use tear gas to disperse protesters.
Authorities have appealed for calm while forensic procedures and the investigation continue.
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