Imphal: The continuing unrest in Manipur escalated on Sunday evening after a coordinated armed attack on Thingkhongjang, a Kuki village in Kangpokpi district, left two civilians injured and several houses destroyed by fire.
The attack occurred at around 5:00 p.m. on July 5 in the remote village located along the Jiribam–Imphal railway corridor. According to local sources, the assailants struck while most residents were attending their regular Sunday worship service at the village church, catching the village off guard.
An eight-year-old girl and a 56-year-old woman sustained bullet injuries during the attack. The injured have been identified as Lamneingah Kipgen (8) and Nengneichong Kipgen (56), both of whom suffered gunshot wounds to their left thighs.
Personnel of the 9 Sector Assam Rifles responded swiftly, evacuating the injured to the New Keithelmanbi Assam Rifles camp, where they were administered first aid before being shifted to the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Imphal, for further treatment.
Several houses were reportedly set ablaze during the assault before the attackers retreated into the surrounding hills.
Local residents and eyewitnesses alleged that the attack was carried out by heavily armed cadres of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN-IM) and the Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF-K), who allegedly used sophisticated firearms and explosives. However, there has been no official confirmation from security agencies regarding the identity of the attackers.
Security forces have since intensified operations in the area, deploying additional personnel to secure the village and launch search operations to apprehend those responsible.
The incident has triggered strong condemnation from local civil society organizations. The Kuki Inpi called for an immediate and impartial investigation into the attack, urging the government to identify the perpetrators and strengthen security measures to prevent further violence.
The latest attack adds to growing concerns over the volatile security situation in Manipur, where sporadic incidents of violence continue to undermine efforts toward restoring normalcy.