Three persons, including a couple, were killed on Friday morning in an attack on a Kuki-Zo village in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district, amidst continuing tensions in the state’s hills.

A senior police officer confirmed an attack by “unidentified gunmen” on Loibol Khullen village in Kangpokpi on Friday morning, and

that three bodies were recovered from there. Kuki-Zo groups in the district have identified those killed as Letkhongam Haokip (34), his wife Tinmary Haokip (30) and Jangminlan Haokip (34). They have also reported that seven houses were set ablaze.

While Kuki-Zo groups have alleged that Naga armed groups are responsible for the attack, the official said that the matter is under investigation.

“Kuki Inpi Manipur unequivocally denounces this barbaric act of violence against unarmed civilians. The deliberate killing of innocent persons and the destruction of homes and livelihoods constitute a serious violation of human dignity and fundamental human rights. The deliberate targeting of civilians and the destruction of homes can never be justified under any circumstances,” the Kuki Inpi Manipur, a top body of the community, said.

Calling for the assailants to be apprehended, it added that it “shall not be held responsible for any consequences arising from this heinous crime.”

Haokholet Kipgen, the local MLA, an Independent, condemned the incident and stated, “I call upon the Central Forces, State Forces, and the Government of India to take immediate and decisive action to restore security in the area, protect vulnerable villages, prevent further attacks, and ensure that those responsible are held fully accountable under the law. Immediate relief and assistance must also be extended to the affected families who have suffered immense loss and hardship.”

Friday’s attack comes amidst heightened tensions between Manipur Naga and Kuki communities and a protracted hostage crisis, in which 14 Kuki villagers have been held captive by Naga groups for over three weeks, and six Naga men who had been abducted remain missing for the same duration.