At least 30 houses were set on fire, and a villager suffered a bullet injury after armed attackers targeted three Liangmai Naga villages in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district early Tuesday, officials said, according to a report by India Today. The attack took place around 4 am in Tapon Khullen, Tapon Khunou and Makui Pipuram villages.

The attackers allegedly opened fire and torched houses and other property before security forces reached the area. A villager sustained a bullet injury during the firing. Several residential properties, vehicles and other belongings were also damaged. Police said they were still assessing the full extent of the damage and losses.

Following the attack, additional security personnel were deployed in the affected areas. The deployment included the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), its CoBRA unit and Manipur Police. Security forces also launched search operations in and around the three villages to track down those responsible and prevent further attacks.

Officials said firing continued for several hours after the attack and lasted until around 12.30 pm. Security forces remained deployed in the area as searches continued. Authorities are also investigating the arson and firing while assessing the damage caused to homes, vehicles and other property.

The latest violence came a day after three Kuki civilians were killed in a separate firing incident in the same district. The back-to-back attacks have raised concerns about possible retaliatory violence along the Imphal-Tamenglong road.

On Monday, suspected militants armed with sophisticated weapons attacked N Teikhang village under the T Waichong subdivision at around 9.30 am, officials said. The firing killed three people and injured four others. The deceased were identified as Tingneichin Lhouvum, 40, Hoineineng Lhoujem, 21, and Lamtinthang Lhoujem, 35.

The four injured victims were identified as Nemneichong Lhoujem, 50, Seilun Lhoujem, 70, Deilhing Haokip, 55, and Kamtinsei Chongloi, 38. The incident added to tensions in the district and increased fears of further attacks in the region.

Officials said the latest series of attacks has intensified tensions between the Kuki-Zo and Naga communities. At least 17 people from the two communities have been killed in separate incidents since May 13. No group has officially claimed responsibility for the latest attacks.

Security forces continue to maintain a presence in the affected areas. They are carrying out search operations to prevent further violence and identify those involved in the attacks. Authorities are also examining the circumstances surrounding the firing and arson incidents.

Manipur has faced prolonged ethnic violence since May 2023. The conflict between the valley-based Meiteis and the hill-based Kukis has killed at least 260 people and displaced thousands. The violence has also led to repeated tensions and clashes in several parts of the state.

President’s Rule was imposed in Manipur in February 2025 after Chief Minister N Biren Singh resigned. It was lifted in February 2026, after which Y Khemchand Singh became the chief minister. The latest attacks in Kangpokpi have once again raised concerns over the fragile security situation in Manipur.