Imphal, April 24: Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), the apex body of the Kuki tribes, has strongly condemned what it described as a barbaric and premeditated armed attack allegedly carried out by suspected Tangkhul militants on Mulam Kuki Village in the Songphel–Mulam area of Ukhrul district in the early hours of April 24.
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| A villager looks on as smoke rises from the ruins of houses reportedly set ablaze during an armed attack on Kuki villages in Ukhrul district |
In a press release issued on Friday, KIM stated that villagers reportedly heard gunfire at around 1:00 AM, followed by a coordinated armed assault at approximately 5:30 AM, when heavily armed attackers allegedly entered the village.
According to the statement, the attack resulted in the deaths of Letlal (43) and Paominlun Haolai (19), who were reportedly defending their village during the incident. The organisation also alleged that the attackers set at least 17 houses on fire, leaving several villagers injured and many displaced, including women and children.
KIM expressed serious concern over the safety of civilians in the region and urged authorities to take immediate and decisive action. The organisation demanded the deployment of central security forces in Mulam and surrounding Kuki areas, establishment of permanent security outposts, and a time-bound investigation to identify and prosecute those responsible.
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The group also called for compensation, medical assistance, and rehabilitation support for the affected families and those whose homes were destroyed.
Appealing to the Kuki community to remain vigilant, KIM said the people have exercised restraint despite repeated provocations. It warned that continued attacks and inaction by authorities could further deteriorate the situation and endanger innocent lives.
The organisation concluded by urging the government and concerned authorities to take swift steps to restore peace, uphold the rule of law, and ensure the safety of civilians in the region.
