Village attacked, houses torched in Kpi village, two hurt; KIM condemns

Our Correspondent/OSR
KANGPOKPI, Jul 5 : Escalating tension in an already troubled State, Thingkhong-jang Kuki village, under Kangchup Geljang sub-division, Kangpokpi district was attacked today, said sources.
A woman and an 8-year-old girl were injured and several houses were reportedly set ablaze in the attack.
Nengneichong Kipgen (56) and Lamneinga Kipgen (8), both sustained bullet injuries on their left thighs.
The injured were evacuated to the New Keithel- manbi Assam Rifles camp for medical treatment.
Security forces have rushed to the spot and taken strong security measures.
Notably, the attack came after Sempat Naga village in Noney district was attacked earlier. Several houses in the village were burnt in the attack.
According to locals, Thingkhongjang village came under attack at around 5 pm when most of them were gathered at the village Church for regular Sunday worship service.
They claimed the attack was carried out by suspected cadres of the NSCN-IM and ZUF-K.
Meanwhile, neighbouring Kuki-Zo villagers who rushed to Thingkhongjang to assist the affected residents were reportedly prevented by CRPF personnel from entering the village, leading to a brief confrontation, locals alleged.
Thingkhongjang is located near Tupul village, with Sehjang Kuki village being the nearest Kuki settlement.
The incident has sparked outrage among Kuki-Zo community leaders, who have questioned the "apparent failure" of security forces in  preventing the attack. Villagers said a battalion of the CRPF stationed near the village failed to intervene.
The Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), the apex of the Kuki tribes, vehemently condemned the armed attack on Thingkhongjang village, describing it as a "barbaric" act of terror against civilians.
Questioning the role of security forces, KIM expressed concern that the attack allegedly took place despite the presence of an F Company of the 86th Battalion of the CRPF in the vicinity.
KIM said it was a "monumental security failure" that warrants the highest level of scrutiny and accountability.
It called for a transparent, impartial and time-bound investigation to establish the sequence of events, identify those responsible for any operational lapses and ensure appropriate legal and disciplinary action.
The organisation also urged both the Centre and the Manipur Government to take immediate measures to restore public confidence.