At least three people were injured on Monday, 15 June when unidentified armed militants launched an attack on the Kuki-inhabited Leilon Vaiphei village in Kangpokpi district, Manipur, according to police. Further details of the incident are being awaited as security forces assess the situation on the ground.

What Happened in Leilon Vaiphei

The Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), one of the apex organisations of the Kuki tribal community, alleged that militants belonging to the NSCN-IM and its proxy outfit, the Zeliangrong United Front (Kamson) (ZUF-K), carried out a bombing attack on the village. Janghaolun Haokip, Information and Publicity Secretary of KIM, said the assault endangered innocent lives, damaged properties, and 'shattered the peace and security of the people.'

'This violent act has once again endangered innocent lives, damaged properties, and shattered the peace and security of the people. Such attacks against civilian areas are unacceptable, inhuman, and a direct threat to the rule of law,' Haokip said in a statement.

KIM Demands Immediate Central Force Action

KIM strongly condemned the attack and demanded immediate and decisive action from the government and security agencies — specifically the Central forces — to identify, arrest, and prosecute all those responsible for what the body called an 'alleged unprovoked attack.'

'We question how much longer the government forces will continue to give leeway to those responsible for creating terror, insecurity, and destruction. Silence, delay, or inaction by the security forces and the government will only embolden the perpetrators and deepen public anger and mistrust,' Haokip said.

The tribal body stressed that residents of Leilon Vaiphei and surrounding areas cannot be expected to live under constant fear while armed groups continue to operate with 'apparent freedom and impunity.'

Kangpokpi's Escalating Violence

Kangpokpi has remained one of the most volatile districts in Manipur, witnessing a sustained series of violent incidents over the past year. On 13 May, three church leaders were killed and four others injured in the district, triggering a wider hostage crisis.

At least 50 people from the Kuki and Naga communities were allegedly held hostage by different armed groups across Kangpokpi and Senapati districts in the aftermath. Authorities, community leaders, and civil society organisations secured the release of 30 individuals on 14 and 15 May. The remaining 14 Kuki hostages were freed on 9 June after nearly four weeks in captivity.

However, the crisis deepened on 10 June when the mutilated bodies of the six remaining Naga abductees were recovered from a forested area near Kharam Vaiphei village in Kangpokpi, triggering widespread outrage among the Naga community.

What Comes Next

With Monday's attack adding to an already volatile situation, pressure is mounting on both state and Central authorities to deploy adequate security measures and prevent further civilian casualties. KIM has made clear that the community's patience is wearing thin, and that any further delay in accountability will deepen mistrust between the public and the state.