Fresh tension returned to parts of Kangpokpi district on Thursday morning after an armed attack was reported at Kharam Vaiphei village, a Kuki-Zo settlement located on the district’s outskirts. The incident has once again raised serious concerns over security and the continuing threat faced by villages situated along sensitive boundary areas.
According to a press statement issued by the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), the attack took place at around 7 am when armed assailants launched a coordinated assault on the village. The attackers reportedly used bombs and fired several rounds from automatic weapons, forcing villagers to flee their homes in fear.
While no casualties have been reported so far, the statement said that several houses were damaged in the attack. Residents narrowly escaped what could have turned into a major tragedy, as the firing and explosions created panic across the village, including among women, children, and the elderly. 
CoTU said the attack was carried out by armed miscreants who came from nearby areas. The sudden nature of the assault left villagers with little time to react, and many spent hours in fear, uncertain whether the violence would continue.
In its statement, the Committee alleged that Kharam Vaiphei has been repeatedly targeted since the outbreak of ethnic violence in Manipur on May 3, 2023. It described the village as particularly vulnerable due to its location on the periphery of Kangpokpi district, making it more exposed to armed movements and attacks.
The Committee further claimed that valley-based insurgent groups have continued to pose a threat to the village and nearby areas. According to CoTU, the repeated attacks have placed residents under constant mental stress, with many families living in fear of sudden violence.
The statement also accused members of the Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF), Kamson faction, of operating freely in the area. CoTU alleged that these armed elements are functioning with the backing of valley-based insurgent networks and are being aided by what it described as hostile propaganda and hate-filled messaging directed at the Kuki-Zo community.
“These groups are acting without fear and continue to intimidate innocent civilians,” the Committee said, adding that such actions have deepened mistrust and insecurity in the region.
CoTU also expressed serious concern over reports of the alleged kidnapping of an elderly civilian. According to the Committee, the individual was reportedly subjected to what it termed a staged interrogation, allegedly under the excuse of tackling the drug menace. CoTU described this as a dangerous misuse of vigilante power and warned that such actions could further weaken the rule of law.
The Committee said incidents like these have created fear and psychological trauma among civilians, particularly those living in remote and border areas. It stressed that no individual or group has the authority to take the law into their own hands, regardless of the justification offered.
While acknowledging efforts by authorities to restore normalcy, CoTU criticised what it described as continued inaction by the government. The Committee pointed out that even under President’s Rule, constitutional authority has not been able to fully control the activities of armed groups that it said are masquerading as law enforcers.
