Three persons were killed and several others injured after unidentified assailants attacked a village in Manipur's Kangpokpi district late on Tuesday night. The incident took place in the Saikul area, where armed men opened fire on a group of villagers, triggering panic and tension in the region.
Details of the Attack
According to police sources, the assailants stormed the village around 10:30 PM and indiscriminately fired at the residents. The victims, all from the same family, were identified as 45-year-old Thangkhomin Haokip, his wife 40-year Nemminthang, and their 18-year-old son Seiminlun Haokip. Three other family members sustained injuries and were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Security Forces Deployed
Following the attack, security forces were immediately deployed to the area to prevent any further escalation of violence. Additional reinforcements have been sent, and a massive search operation is underway to track down the perpetrators. The motive behind the attack remains unclear, but preliminary investigations suggest it could be linked to ongoing ethnic tensions in the region.
Chief Minister's Response
Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh strongly condemned the incident, terming it a "cowardly act" and expressing grief over the loss of innocent lives. In a statement, he said, "Such heinous acts will not be tolerated. I have directed the police to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that the culprits are brought to justice at the earliest." The Chief Minister also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh each to the families of the deceased and free medical treatment for the injured.
Political Reactions
The attack has drawn widespread condemnation from political leaders across the spectrum. Opposition parties have demanded a detailed statement from the state government on the security situation in the region. The Congress party accused the state administration of failing to maintain law and order, while local civil society groups called for immediate peace initiatives to de-escalate tensions.
Background of Conflict
Kangpokpi district has witnessed sporadic violence in recent months, primarily fueled by clashes between different ethnic communities over land and resources. The state government has been trying to broker peace through dialogues, but sporadic attacks continue to undermine efforts. Security experts believe that the latest incident could further strain inter-community relations if not handled sensitively.
As the investigation proceeds, authorities have appealed for calm and urged residents to cooperate with law enforcement agencies. The injured are reported to be out of danger, and the situation in the village is now under control with heavy security presence.
