Imphal: Suspected Kuki militants attacked Pongringlong Rongmei Naga village in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district on October 10, burning down 10 houses and damaging seven other structures.
More than 30 heavily armed attackers reportedly approached the village from different directions, forcing the outnumbered village guards to retreat before the arson began.
The damaged properties in the Saitu Gamphazol subdivision village, also known as Charoipandongba or Puangringluang, included 14 residential houses belonging to six families and three community buildings.
According to a statement issued by the Pongringlong Youth Club (PYC), the fire destroyed 10 structures, along with food stocks, household belongings and other essential items of the affected residents.
The PYC condemned the attack, saying it had damaged the long-standing ties between neighbouring communities.
The club said Kuki residents from nearby areas had historically depended on Pongringlong’s land, forests and natural resources. It expressed regret that some of these neighbours were now allegedly aligned with the armed groups accused of attacking the village.
The incident follows earlier violence in the area. Local representatives said the village came under gun attack on May 22, 2026, followed by the killing of Chunjanglung Panmei, a member of the village authority, by suspected Kuki militants on June 8, 2026.
The PYC said the village remained without adequate security despite the repeated incidents.
Following the attack, the PYC appealed to the government, concerned departments and civil society organisations to intervene immediately.
It demanded the deployment of security forces, an impartial investigation and action against those responsible.
The club also sought relief, compensation and rehabilitation for families displaced by the attack and those who suffered losses.