Northeast Desk, 8th February: Kangpokpi district finds itself embroiled in a state of escalating tension as two separate attacks, reportedly carried out by armed miscreants, have plunged the region into chaos. The incidents unfolded on the evening of February 8, marking a distressing turn of events for the local populace.
Initial reports suggest that the unrest commenced with the sighting of a significant movement of armed individuals traversing from the valley towards the Phailengmol hills. Eyewitnesses described the armed group brandishing sophisticated weaponry, sparking immediate apprehension among residents who feared the implications of such a coordinated movement.
However, the situation swiftly deteriorated later in the evening when L. Tangnaum Kuki-Zo village, situated in the Kangchup-Leimakhong area, came under attack from armed assailants reportedly originating from Senjam Chirang and Koutruk, peripheral valley villages bordering Kangchup-Leimakhong. Witnesses recount scenes of chaos as sporadic gunfights erupted, persisting well into the early hours of the morning.
Despite the intensity of the clashes, there have been no reports of casualties on either side, offering a glimmer of relief amidst the turmoil. However, the peace was short-lived as another assault was launched, targeting L. Tangnaum village once again, further exacerbating the fraught situation.
The unrest, unfortunately, transcended geographical boundaries, as reports soon surfaced of a separate attack in Monglham Kuki-Zo village, located in the Phailengmol area near Maphou Dam. These developments have left the residents of Kangpokpi district on edge, with concerns mounting over the potential escalation of violence and the safety of communities caught in the crossfire.
As authorities grapple to restore calm and ensure the safety of civilians, the incidents underscore the pressing need for swift and decisive action to quell the unrest and apprehend those responsible for instigating violence in the region.