Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Friday, 5 June ordered the state police and central security agencies to immediately identify and apprehend the perpetrators behind a deadly attack on Loibol Khullen village in Kangpokpi district, in which three unarmed civilians were killed and seven houses were set on fire. The Chief Minister described the assault as a 'heinous and cowardly act' and vowed that those responsible would face stringent action.

What Happened at Loibol Khullen

Unidentified armed assailants stormed the tribal-inhabited village of Loibol Khullen in Kangpokpi district on Friday, killing three residents — Letkhongam Haokip, Tinmary Haokip, and Jangminlal Haokip — including one woman. Seven houses were set ablaze during the attack, leaving multiple families homeless. The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) alleged in a statement that militants belonging to the NSCN-IM and ZUF (Kamson) were responsible for the assault, though this has not been independently verified.

CM's Response and Directives

Chief Minister Singh directed the concerned authorities to strengthen security arrangements in vulnerable areas and ensure that all necessary relief and assistance reach the affected families without delay. He stated that the deliberate targeting of innocent and unarmed civilians cannot be tolerated under any circumstances and that the government would not spare those responsible for such acts of violence.

Policeman Killed in Separate Anti-Narcotics Operation

The Chief Minister also condemned the killing of Manipur Police Havildar Suresh Singh, who was fatally stabbed while on duty during an anti-narcotics operation in Thoubal district on the night of 3 June. According to police officials, a team from the Commando Unit (CDO) of Thoubal district had detained two individuals based on intelligence inputs regarding illicit drug trafficking. One of the detainees, identified as Md. Naobi alias Mahil (25), allegedly attacked Havildar Singh with a knife, inflicting fatal injuries. The injured officer was rushed to the District Hospital, Thoubal, where he was declared brought dead. The prime accused was arrested by the Thoubal District Police on 4 June following intensive search operations. Singh lauded the Thoubal police for their prompt response and extended condolences to the policeman's family.

Tribal Organisations Condemn the Attack

Several tribal organisations, including the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) and Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), strongly condemned the Loibol Khullen attack. The KZC noted that the assault follows a pattern of violence against the Kuki-Zo community, citing the earlier killings of two young boys at Thawai Kuki Village in Ukhrul district, the murder of three pastors, and the burning of Kharam Vaiphei Village in Kangpokpi district. The council said these repeated incidents have deepened fear and insecurity within the community.

Political Demands and Peace Appeal

The KZC reiterated that the Kuki-Zo people have a legitimate political demand before the Government of India and that their representatives remain engaged in dialogue with the Ministry of Home Affairs to pursue a lasting political solution. 'We have no desire to be drawn into fresh conflicts with any community and remain committed to pursuing our aspirations through democratic and constitutional means,' the KZC statement said. The council urged the Centre to expedite a political resolution so that the community may live in peace, security, and dignity. With security forces now on heightened alert across Kangpokpi and Thoubal districts, the focus will be on whether swift arrests follow and whether the Centre accelerates engagement with tribal representatives.