Three Kuki-Zo village volunteers killed in Manipur's Noney district
The Kuki Inpi Manipur alleged that members of two armed groups were responsible for the deaths of the volunteers.
Three Kuki-Zo village volunteers were killed in Manipur's Noney district, according to a report by The Hawk on Saturday. A police official stated that the three individuals died during a heavy gun battle between two armed groups.
The Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) issued a statement expressing grief and alleging that the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) and the Zeliangrong United Front (Kamson faction) were behind the killings. The organisation described the incident as an attack on the security of the Kuki-Zo community.
KIM Secretary for Information and Publicity Janghaolun Haokip said the deaths occurred because state authorities failed to protect Kuki-Zo settlements despite warnings. Haokip claimed that a lack of security forced local residents to volunteer for their own protection.
The organisation further alleged that the attackers mocked and kicked the bodies of the deceased. KIM accused the state government of negligence and claimed its management of NSCN-IM activities has increased regional insecurity.
KIM has demanded accountability and immediate action against those responsible for the killings. Police officials said they are currently collecting further details regarding the incident.