The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) has strongly condemned the attack on a Kuki-Zo village in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district, urging authorities to identify and apprehend those responsible to prevent further escalation in the conflict-hit region. According to reports, armed assailants launched a coordinated assault with bombs and gunfire on the village, Kharam Vaiphei, on Thursday morning, triggering panic among residents and also prompting many to take refuge in safe areas. While no casualties have been reported so far, CoTU said several houses were damaged, and warned that the incident could have resulted in a major tragedy had civilians not narrowly escaped. The committee alleged that Kharam Vaiphei has been repeatedly targeted since the outbreak of ethnic violence in Manipur on May 3, 2023, attributing the continued vulnerability of the village located along the peripheral areas of Kangpokpi district.
CoTU claimed the village remains under constant threat from armed groups operating from nearby areas.
In its statement, CoTU further alleged that members of the Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF), Kamson faction, described as “misnomer gangsters,” have been operating with impunity, allegedly under the influence of valley-based insurgent networks. The committee accused certain elements of spreading hostility against the Kuki-Zo community through inflammatory narratives. CoTU also expressed serious concern over reports of the alleged kidnapping of an elderly civilian and warned that such actions reflect a dangerous misuse of vigilante authority and contribute to fear and psychological distress among civilians.
