Fear gripped Kharam Vaiphei village in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district on Thursday morning after an armed attack involving gunfire and bomb explosions jolted the residential area, prompting strong condemnation from the Kuki Inpi South-West Sadar Hills and the Kharam Vaiphei Village Authority.
In separate statements, the apex tribal body and the village authority said the incident occurred around 7 am when unidentified armed miscreants allegedly opened unprovoked fire and triggered explosive devices within the village limits. Although no casualties were reported, several houses sustained damage, and the sudden violence left residents—especially women and children—traumatised.
Officials confirmed that a brief gunfight broke out on January 8 in the Kangpokpi district, following which additional security forces were deployed in surrounding areas as a precautionary measure. According to official sources, suspected cadres of the banned Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF–S Kamson) were allegedly attempting to destroy illicit poppy cultivation in the Kharam Vaiphei area when they reportedly came under fire from armed Kuki underground groups. The exchange of fire later ceased without any reported injuries or fatalities.
Security personnel were rushed to peripheral locations to prevent further escalation. The sound of gunfire triggered panic in villages along the boundary of Imphal West district—an area that had witnessed intense clashes during the ethnic violence of 2023 and 2024.
In a statement, ZUF (S Kamson) claimed the gunfight took place around 7.40 am at Kharam Vaiphei, alleging the presence of illegal activities in the area, including poppy cultivation and underground camps belonging to Kuki groups operating under Suspension of Operations agreements.
Manipur has remained tense since ethnic violence erupted in May 2023, primarily involving the Meitei and Kuki communities. More than 260 people have been killed in the violence so far. The unrest began following a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ organised in the hill districts to oppose the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe status.
Terming the January 8 incident a serious breach of law and order, the Kuki Inpi South-West Sadar Hills described the attack as “deeply disturbing and unacceptable,” particularly at a time when President’s Rule is in force in the state. The organisation warned that such violence endangers innocent civilians and risks aggravating communal tensions in an already fragile situation.
“The attack has created an atmosphere of fear and psychological distress among peaceful civilians. Any delay in decisive action could embolden anti-social elements and further destabilise the region,” the statement said, urging authorities to act swiftly.
The Kuki Inpi demanded immediate identification and arrest of those responsible and called for strict punishment to deter similar incidents.
Echoing the condemnation, the Kharam Vaiphei Village Authority termed the attack a “cowardly and provocative act” aimed at disrupting peace. Expressing grave concern over the use of firearms and explosives in a civilian area, the authority urged law enforcement agencies to intensify vigilance, ensure effective policing, and restore public confidence.
Both bodies reaffirmed their commitment to peace and communal harmony while cautioning against misinformation or provocative narratives that could further inflame tensions. They called on authorities to uphold the rule of law and ensure swift justice to protect innocent civilians.
