Three Kuki civilians were killed in an attack in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district on Friday, a senior police officer confirmed to Scroll.

At least seven houses in the Loibol Khullen village were burnt in the suspected militant attack at about 4 am, said Kuki Inpi Manipur, an apex body representing Kuki tribes in the state.

Those who died were identified as Letkhongam Haokip, Tinmary Haokip and Jangminlal Haokip, all residents of the village.

Heavy firing was reported in the area, India Today NE reported. The residents were forced to flee after the houses were set on fire.

The deaths took place during an exchange of fire between rival groups that lasted several minutes, an unidentified official told PTI.

The Kuki Inpi Manipur condemned the violence. “The deliberate killing of innocent persons and the destruction of homes and livelihoods constitute a serious violation of human dignity and fundamental human rights,” the group said.

It alleged that heavily armed cadres of two Naga groups were responsible for the attack. The two armed Naga groups have not yet commented on the allegations.

The Kuki Inpi Manipur urged the Union government and security agencies to investigate the incident, identify those responsible and ensure they are held accountable. It also called for enhanced security measures in vulnerable villages to prevent further attacks.

The developments came amid tensions between Kukis and Nagas in Ukhrul that had erupted in February after an alleged assault involving members of the Tangkhul Naga and the Kuki-Zo communities escalated into clashes.

Since the ethnic clashes broke out between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo-Hmar communities in May 2023, at least 260 persons have been killed and more than 59,000 persons displaced. There were periodic upticks in violence in 2024 and 2025.

Written by Sara Varghese. Inputs from Rokibuz Zaman. Edited by Nachiket Deuskar.

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