The Kadangband area of Imphal West district during the early hours of January 1. Suspected militants, positioned in the hills of neighboring Kangpokpi district, launched an attack, triggering panic among residents. According to police reports, the assailants fired multiple rounds from sophisticated firearms and lobbed explosives toward the low-lying Kadangband area around 1 a.m.
Village volunteers stationed in the area retaliated with counterfire while additional security forces were dispatched to bring the situation under control.“No casualties or injuries were reported in the incident,” a police official stated. However, the attack forced several villagers, particularly those living in vulnerable kutcha houses, to flee to safer locations.
The Kadangband area has remained a flashpoint for violence since ethnic clashes erupted in Manipur in May 2023. Local residents have repeatedly borne the brunt of attacks from suspected militants, raising concerns over the region’s security.
