India
oi-Oneindia Staff
Three Liangmai Naga villages in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district reportedly came under attack early Tuesday, September 1, with prolonged firing and arson reported along the Imphal-Tamenglong Road. The incident occurred less than a day after three Kuki civilians were killed in a separate attack in the same subdivision, raising fears of fresh retaliatory violence in the area. Police said at least 30 houses and other properties were damaged, while one villager was injured.
Early Tuesday, September 1, three Liangmai Naga villages in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district faced attacks with prolonged firing and arson, damaging about 30 houses and injuring one villager, raising concerns amid recent inter-community violence.
What Happened In The Naga Villages?
According to the Naga Tapon Village Authority, the attack began at around 3:30 am and continued until approximately 12:30 pm. The villages named by the authority were Pipuram Makui, Naga Tapon (Old) and Naga Tapon Namsan (New).
The authority alleged that more than 300 heavily armed Kuki militants took part in the attack, entered homes and set houses and other properties on fire. Police, however, have described the attackers as unidentified armed individuals and have not officially confirmed their affiliation.
Houses, Vehicles And Church Property Destroyed
The Village Authority said G. Abonmai, vice-president of Tapon Namsan village, was injured. It reported that 18 houses, a truck, two two-wheelers, an Eeco van, a rice mill and church properties were destroyed in Naga Tapon Namsan.
In Naga Tapon (Old), pastor Luithuibou Newmai of Naga Tapon Baptist Church was allegedly shot while trying to escape. The authority said 10 houses, two trucks and a JCB were also burnt and the church was badly damaged. Local reports said the pastor suffered bullet injuries to his hand and waist.
Attack Comes After Recent Naga-Kuki Violence
The latest violence follows a series of deadly incidents in the same corridor. On August 27, four Naga civilians were killed in an ambush between Makui Ashang and Thanamba villages, according to local authorities and reports.
On August 31, three Kuki civilians were killed and four others injured in a separate attack at N Teikhang village in T. Waichong subdivision, according to local reports.
Naga Village Authority Seeks Security And Probe
The Naga Tapon Village Authority has demanded compensation for destroyed homes, food stocks, livestock, vehicles and livelihood assets. It has also called for a permanent security presence in the affected villages, immediate search operations and an independent, time-bound investigation into the attack.
The authority further alleged that leaders associated with KNF/UPF may have been involved in planning or facilitating attacks on Naga villages. These allegations have not been independently established.
Security forces, including the CRPF and its CoBRA unit along with Manipur Police, were reported to have reached the area and launched search operations.
The incident has intensified concerns over the security of civilians living along the Imphal-Tamenglong corridor. Authorities now face the challenge of preventing further retaliatory attacks while investigating those responsible for the recent violence.
