Fear in Kharam Vaiphei village, Manipur’s Kangpokpi district, escalated following an armed attack on January 8, which involved gunfire and bomb explosions. This incident, reported around 7 am, was condemned by the Kuki Inpi South-West Sadar Hills and the Kharam Vaiphei Village Authority. Although no casualties occurred, residential damage was reported, leaving many residents traumatized, particularly women and children.
The violence seems to stem from a conflict involving suspected members of the banned Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF–S Kamson) who were allegedly targeting illicit poppy cultivation in the area when they encountered armed Kuki underground groups, leading to a brief gunfight. Following this, additional security forces were deployed to prevent further escalation. Panic spread to nearby villages, particularly along the boundary with Imphal West district, which experienced significant violence during ethnic conflicts in 2023 and 2024.
In response to the gunfight, ZUF (S Kamson) claimed it was related to illegal activities in the region, such as poppy cultivation and underground camps linked to Kuki groups. The ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur, which commenced in May 2023 mostly involving the Meitei and Kuki communities, has resulted in over 260 deaths.
The Kuki Inpi described the January 8 incident as a severe breach of law and order, finding it especially troubling amidst President’s Rule in the state. They expressed concerns that ongoing violence jeopardizes civilian safety and exacerbates communal tensions, urging immediate action against the perpetrators to deter future incidents.
The Kharam Vaiphei Village Authority echoed these sentiments, labeling the attack a “cowardly and provocative act,” and emphasized the urgent need for effective policing and a restoration of public trust. Both organizations called for a commitment to peace and warned against misinformation that could heighten tensions, while emphasizing the necessity for authorities to uphold the rule of law and deliver swift justice to safeguard innocent civilians.
