At Least 30 Houses Torched, Villager Shot As Fresh Violence Erupts In Manipur’s Kangpokpi

Last Updated:September 02, 2026, 03:57 IST

The attackers allegedly opened fire and torched houses and other property before security forces reached the area.

Police personnel douse a fire at Sagolband area during a 24-hour general strike for the demand for implementation of NRC updation before conducting the census, in Imphal West, Manipur. (PTI photo)

At least 30 houses were set ablaze and a villager was injured in firing after armed attackers targeted three Liangmai Naga villages in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district early Tuesday, officials said, according to a report by India Today.

The attack took place around 4 am in Tapon Khullen, Tapon Khunou and Makui Pipuram villages. The attackers allegedly opened fire and torched houses and other property before security forces reached the area.

A villager sustained a bullet injury, while residential properties, vehicles and other belongings were damaged. Police said the full extent of the losses was still being assessed.

Forces Launch Search Operation

Additional security personnel, including the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), its CoBRA unit and Manipur Police, were deployed following the attack.

Security forces launched search operations in and around the affected villages. Officials said firing continued for several hours, lasting until around 12.30 pm.

The violence comes a day after three Kuki civilians were killed in a separate firing incident in the same district, raising fears of further retaliatory attacks along the Imphal-Tamenglong road.

On Monday, suspected militants armed with sophisticated weapons attacked N Teikhang village, under T Waichong subdivision, at around 9.30 am, officials said.

The three victims were identified as Tingneichin Lhouvum, 40, Hoineineng Lhoujem, 21, and Lamtinthang Lhoujem,

Fresh Tensions

Officials said the back-to-back attacks have heightened tensions between the Kuki-Zo and Naga communities in the region. At least 17 people from the two communities have been killed in separate incidents since May 13.

No group has officially claimed responsibility for the latest attacks.

Security forces remain deployed in the affected areas and are conducting searches to prevent further violence. Authorities are also investigating the firing and arson and assessing the damage.

Manipur has witnessed prolonged ethnic violence since May 2023 between the valley-based Meiteis and the hill-based Kukis. At least 260 people have been killed and thousands displaced in the conflict.

President’s Rule was imposed in February 2025 following the resignation of Chief Minister N Biren Singh. It was lifted in February 2026, with Y Khemchand Singh becoming chief minister.

(With inputs from PTI)

Quick Answers

Powered by

Ask News18

What is the current security situation in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district?

Following fresh violence in Kangpokpi, security forces remain deployed in the affected areas and are conducting searches to prevent further violence. Authorities are also investigating the incidents of firing and arson, and they are assessing the damage caused by the attacks.

Could the recent attacks lead to further escalation of ethnic violence?

The back-to-back attacks in Kangpokpi have raised fears of further retaliatory violence along the Imphal-Tamenglong road. Officials noted that these consecutive incidents have heightened tensions between the Kuki-Zo and Naga communities in the region.

What measures are authorities taking to prevent future incidents?

To prevent further violence, security forces remain deployed in the affected areas and are actively conducting searches. Additionally, authorities are investigating the firing and arson incidents and assessing the damage caused by the attacks.

Powered by

Ask News18

About the Author

News Desk

The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, …Read More

Read More