Fresh violence in Kangpokpi, 2 killed

Two people were killed and two others injured on Friday in firing when suspected militants attacked Langka Naga village of conflict-hit Kangpokpi district, officials said.

The deceased were identified as Wiriliangbou Chawang and Kawidinang Abonmai.

A senior police officer said, "Suspected militants attacked Langka Naga village at around 8 am along the Kangpokpi-Tamenglong road. Chawang suffered gunshot wounds to his head. Three other villagers were seriously injured in the attack, one of whom later succumbed." He added, "The villagers were working in a paddy field when they were attacked. Security forces rushed to the area following the attack." Reports also claimed that some Naga villagers later fired at the militants. However, they managed to escape.


The Liangmai Naga Council has declared an immediate shutdown across all Liangmai Naga-inhabited areas of Manipur, until further notice. All shops, offices, institutions, and non-essential activities will remain closed in solidarity. The incident comes barely two days after fresh violence was reported in Kangpokpi's Champhai area, where around 10 houses and a church were set ablaze during the night, triggering fresh tension in the district amid the continuing ethnic strife.

Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh had visited Kangpokpi district on August 8, during which he announced the reopening of national highways for the free movement of all communities and the resumption of the Imphal-Dimapur bus service as part of efforts to restore normalcy and confidence in the state.