At least nine houses and a church were set ablaze after unknown armed miscreants allegedly opened fire at a Naga village in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district, officials aware of the matter said on Wednesday. The attack took place amid continuing tensions between Kuki-Zo and Naga communities in the district.

The incident occurred around 9.30 pm on Tuesday at Tokpa Liangmai Naga village, located near Tumnoupokpi Thangal village. According to officials, the armed miscreants allegedly opened fire before setting fire to residential houses, a church and other properties. The attack caused extensive damage and forced several families to leave their homes.

Residents of nearby villages rushed to the area after the attack and helped contain the fire. Additional security personnel were later deployed in the area to prevent further violence and maintain security.

The Tokpa Naga Village Authority issued a statement on Wednesday condemning the alleged armed attack and arson. The authority said the incident had caused significant damage to the village and displaced affected families.

“...The assailants reportedly resorted to indiscriminate firing and set fire to nine residential houses, one church and other properties causing extensive damage and displacing affected families,” the statement said.

The village authority also raised questions over the response of security personnel during the incident. It alleged that Central Reserve Police Force personnel and Kangpokpi police stationed at Kalaphar High School, located near the site, did not respond immediately despite repeated appeals for assistance.

The authority demanded that police register an FIR and conduct a detailed investigation into the attack. It also sought adequate security for villagers to prevent further incidents and called for immediate relief, rehabilitation and compensation for the families affected by the arson.

The Liangmai Naga Council, Manipur, also condemned the attack. The council alleged that armed men from another community were responsible for the incident. It urged the government and security agencies to respond quickly and ensure that action is taken in an impartial manner.

The attack has added to tensions between Kuki-Zo and Naga communities in Kangpokpi district. The region has witnessed continuing community tensions, making security and the protection of vulnerable villages a major concern.

Meanwhile, security forces and other law-enforcement agencies have stepped up operations across Manipur. The state government said on Wednesday that authorities had recovered 1,422 arms, 7,010 rounds of ammunition and 1,137 different explosives between February 5 and August 11.

The government highlighted the recoveries as part of intensified security operations in the violence-hit state. Authorities are also continuing political outreach efforts aimed at restoring peace and reducing tensions.

The latest attack has renewed concerns over the safety of civilians in vulnerable areas of Manipur. Local officials and community representatives have called for stronger security arrangements, prompt investigations and support for families who lost their homes in the incident.