Five Dead as Kuki‑Naga Clashes Escalate in Manipur’s Kamjong and Ukhrul

Five people were killed in fresh clashes between Kuki and Naga armed groups in Manipur’s Kamjong and Ukhrul districts on Saturday. A 22‑year‑old man and a 42‑year‑old woman, a mother of five, died in Chassad village of Kamjong district after the woman was shot near her neck on Friday night. Her death sparked an exchange of fire that continued into Saturday, during which the man was also killed and ten houses were set ablaze. Authorities imposed a prohibitory order under Section 162 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita within a 400‑metre radius of the Chassad police gate, banning gatherings of five or more people. In a separate attack, suspected militants entered the Tangkhul Naga settlement of Ningchou near the Myanmar border and shot dead Ngachanso Ningshen, 35, and Leishishan Leishadang, 48. Villagers said the gunmen fled toward Myanmar; their bodies were taken to Kamjong district hospital for post‑mortems. Another incident in Ukhrul district saw 40‑year‑old Sandeep Rai shot dead near Chepu Yaolen after his vehicle was fired upon. Heavy gunfire was also reported at Makui Ashang and Tapon in Kangpokpi district. Since the Kuki‑Naga violence erupted in February, more than 40 people have died and dozens of houses burnt, while the broader ethnic strife that began in May 2023 has claimed over 260 lives and left thousands homeless. Security forces continue search and area‑domination operations across all affected districts.

Context

The clashes are part of a long‑standing rivalry between Kuki and Naga communities over land and political influence. Prohibitory orders aim to curb large gatherings that could trigger further fighting. Ongoing police patrols and community talks are the main tools used to try to restore calm.