Fresh violence in Manipur: At least nine killed in Kuki-Naga clashes

Fresh violence has erupted in Manipur, with at least nine people killed in clashes between members of the Kuki and Naga communities in the state's hill districts. A series of violent incidents occurred between Friday night and Saturday in Kamjong, Ukhrul and Kangpokpi districts. The situation remains tense, prompting the administration to deploy additional security forces to prevent further clashes. Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh has appealed to members of all communities to maintain peace and exercise restraint.

The Chief Minister condemned the killing of civilians and the outbreak of violence. He directed the concerned officials to take swift and effective measures to bring the situation under control, restore peace and normalcy, and ensure public safety. He urged all communities not to give in to provocation and called for disputes to be resolved through dialogue to preserve peace and communal harmony.

Violence erupts in Kamjong’s Chasad village

The violence began in Chasad village in Kamjong district, where a 22-year-old woman was shot dead by unidentified assailants on Friday night. The woman was a mother of five. Although Chasad is predominantly inhabited by Kukis, it falls within Kamjong district, which has a predominantly Naga population.

Her killing triggered tension in the area, followed by an exchange of gunfire between armed Kuki and Naga groups. The firing continued until Saturday morning.

According to media reports, a 42-year-old man was also killed in the clashes. At least 10 houses were reportedly set on fire. Authorities imposed restrictions in the Chasad area amid fears of further deterioration in the situation. The move was aimed at preventing fresh outbreaks of violence.

Additional security forces have been deployed in Kamjong and Kangpokpi districts. The administration is attempting to contain the clashes and ensure the safety of residents in the affected areas. However, the successive killings have heightened concerns about the security situation in Manipur's hill districts.

Attacks reported in Kangpokpi

Following the incident in Chasad, reports emerged of attacks in the villages of Tapon and Makui in Kangpokpi district.

On Saturday, suspected militants reportedly attacked the area, killing two Naga village guards, M. Damai and R. Gangmei, along with another man identified as Ringkangmai.

Meanwhile, the Naga civil society organisation Working Committee JTC Manipur alleged that a 52-year-old villager named Ajinbou R. had been killed and beheaded. The organisation has demanded the return of his severed remains so that his last rites can be performed with dignity. However, the details of this incident could not be independently verified.

Two killed in attack near Myanmar border

Another attack was reported in Ningchou village in Kamjong district, near the India-Myanmar border. The village is inhabited by members of the Tangkhul Naga community.

On Saturday, suspected armed assailants entered the village and opened fire, killing two men: 35-year-old Nagachanso Ningshen and 48-year-old Leishishan Leishadang.

Security personnel reached the village following the attack. According to local residents, the assailants fled towards Myanmar after opening fire.

Driver shot dead in Ukhrul

A separate shooting incident in Ukhrul district claimed another life.

On Saturday, suspected armed men opened fire on a vehicle near Chepu Yaolen village. The driver, 40-year-old Sandeep Rai, reportedly died at the scene, according to administrative sources.

Meanwhile, exchanges of gunfire between armed groups were also reported in the Makui Ashang and Tapon areas of Kangpokpi district.

Kuki-Naga clashes add to Manipur’s unrest

Clashes between the Kuki and Naga communities are not new to Manipur. According to a report by The Indian Express, more than 40 people have been killed in violence between the two communities since February this year. Several houses have also been set on fire. The latest incidents have further aggravated tensions in the region.

In 2023, Manipur witnessed widespread ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities. Clashes between the Meiteis, who predominantly inhabit the Imphal Valley, and the Kukis, who largely live in the surrounding hill districts, claimed more than 300 lives. Many people went missing, while thousands of residents were forced to leave their homes and seek shelter elsewhere.

The wounds left by that violence have yet to heal completely.

Restoring peace remains a major challenge

The fresh clashes between the Kuki and Naga communities have added another layer of complexity to efforts to restore security and peace in Manipur. Ensuring the safety of civilians, stopping attacks in the affected villages and rebuilding trust between the two communities remain major challenges for the administration.

Although the Chief Minister has appealed for peace and restraint, it remains unclear how long it will take for the situation to return to normal.

Swift administrative intervention is essential to prevent further loss of life and ensure that residents can return safely to their villages.