Imphal/Guwahati: The fragile peace in the northeastern state of Manipur was shattered once again in the early hours of Friday, June 5, 2026, when a brutal pre-dawn attack left three people dead and seven homes reduced to ashes. The incident took place around 4:00 AM at Loibol Khullen village, located in the Saitu-Gamphazol subdivision of the hill district of Kangpokpi.

According to local reports and tribal organizations, heavily armed militants stormed the sleeping village, opening indiscriminate fire and setting civilian properties ablaze. The sudden assault forced terrified residents to flee their beds and seek shelter in nearby forested areas amid a heavy exchange of gunfire.

Casualties Identified in Pre-Dawn Assault

Security officials confirmed that three villagers, including a woman, lost their lives during the intense firing. The deceased have been identified as Letkhongam Haokip (34), his wife Tinmary Haokip (30), and another resident, Jangminlal Haokip (34).

Local student bodies and community groups expressed deep grief over the loss of innocent civilian lives, stating that the victims had no involvement in active militant groups and were targeted inside their own ancestral area.

Community Outrage and Accusations

The Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), the apex body representing the Kuki-Zo tribes in the state, issued a strong statement condemning the attack. They described the incident as a "barbaric act of violence against unarmed civilians" and a grave violation of fundamental human rights.

KIM and the Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO) alleged that the pre-dawn raid was orchestrated by armed cadres belonging to the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN-IM) alongside its alleged proxy faction, the Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF). Community leadership has demanded that the central government and state security agencies launch an immediate investigation to hold the perpetrators accountable. At the time of reporting, the accused Naga insurgent groups have not issued any official statement regarding the allegations.

Government Response and Security Measures

Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen heavily condemned the tragic killings and arson, calling it an "unacceptable act." She assured the public that the state government is taking the incident very seriously.

"The killing of three innocent persons and the burning of homes by unknown armed miscreants is a tragic and unacceptable act. My thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families. The government is taking necessary steps, and those responsible will be dealt with strictly as per the law." — Nemcha Kipgen, Deputy Chief Minister of Manipur

Kipgen also appealed to the local populations to maintain calm and resist any provocations aimed at fueling further ethnic divisions. Following the attack, additional columns of Indian security forces and state police were rushed to the Kangpokpi district to secure the vulnerable perimeter, contain any retaliatory violence, and conduct combing operations in the surrounding hills.

Context of the Ongoing Crisis

This fresh wave of bloodshed comes against the backdrop of more than three years of deep-seated ethnic polarization in Manipur. The unrest initially erupted in May 2023 following a tribal solidarity march that triggered widespread clashes between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. Since then, official estimates indicate that over 260 people have lost their lives, and approximately 60,000 citizens remain displaced, living across various temporary relief camps. While the overall intensity of the conflict has dropped compared to its initial months, sporadic rocket attacks, ambushes, and territorial skirmishes continue to threaten the region's stability.