New Delhi: At least three Kuki civilians were killed and four others injured after unidentified persons opened fire along the IT Road in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district Monday. This comes four days after an ambush in the same corridor resulted in the deaths of four Naga civilians, including a school principal, and injured several others.
“Three individuals died and four others were injured after a firing incident happened in the T Waichong subdivision,” Superintendent of Police (Kangpokpi) Abhinav confirmed, adding that the police are “investigating all aspects” and are yet to identify the assailants.
The Twiland Area Kuki CSO Working Committee in a statement alleged that the attackers were cadres of the NSCM-IM and ZUF-K, accusing them of deliberately targeting civilians.
“At around 8:00 AM on Monday, 31 August 2026, approximately 50 heavily armed cadres of the separatist NSCN (IM) attacked the village, indiscriminately opened fire on civilians and set several houses ablaze. Three innocent villagers—including two women, were reportedly shot dead, while four others sustained bullet wounds and remain critically injured,” it read.
In their statement, the Kuki CSO demanded that the “involvement of the NSCN (IM) and ZUF (K) must be investigated immediately, independently and impartially”.
“The fact that anti-India elements such as the NSCN (IM) can operate with impunity on Indian soil and kill Indian citizens at will is an insult to the nation and a blot on the record of the security agencies,” their statement added.
The police identified the three deceased as Tingneichin Lhouvum (40), Hoineineng Lhoujem (21), and Lamtinthang Lhoujem (36).
At least four others incurred bullet injuries, they said. Amongst those injured are Nemneichong Lhoujem (50), Seilun Lhoujem (70), Deilhing Haokip (55), and Kamtinsei Chongloi (38). “They were critically injured during the attack and since the condition of the road is very bad we were able to arrange for an ambulance later,” the Kangpokpi SP added.
(Edited by Amrtansh Arora)
Also Read: Identify ‘Indian nationals’ prior to delimitation in Manipur, valley groups appeal to Modi govt