Manipur death toll reaches nine following fresh clashes in hill districts

The death toll in Manipur reached nine on Sunday after fresh clashes broke out between two communities in the hill districts. The violence occurred on Friday and Saturday across the Kamjong, Ukhrul and Kangpokpi districts.

What Happened

The violence began on Friday night when a 22-year-old mother of five was shot dead by unknown attackers in the Kuki-majority Chassad village located in the Naga-majority Kamjong district. This killing sparked an exchange of gunshots between Kuki and Naga armed groups that lasted until Saturday morning, resulting in the death of a 42-year-old man and the burning of 10 houses. Authorities responded by imposing prohibitory orders under Section 162 of the BNSS in the village. Additional violence followed on Saturday when suspected militants attacked Tapon and Makui villages in Kangpokpi district, killing two Naga village guards named M Daimai and R Gangmei, along with another person identified as Ringkangmai. A Naga civil society group called Working Committee JTC Manipur reported that a 52-year-old villager named Ajinbou R was beheaded during the violence and asked for the return of his severed head for burial. Suspected militants also entered Ningchou village in Kamjong district near the India-Myanmar border, shooting and killing two people named Ngachanso Ningshen and Leishishan Leishadang before locals claim the attackers fled toward Myanmar. In Ukhrul district, a 40-year-old man named Sandeep Rai was shot dead inside his car near Chepu Yaolen village. Heavy gunfire was also reported between armed groups at Makui Ashang and Tapon.

Official Response

Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh shared a post on social media to condemn the civilian deaths and the ongoing violence. He stated that he instructed the concerned authorities to take immediate steps to control the situation, restore law and order, and keep all citizens safe. The Chief Minister also asked all communities to stay calm and choose peace, talk and harmony instead of fighting. Officials confirmed that extra security personnel have been sent to the worst-hit Kangpokpi and Kamjong districts to bring the situation under control.

Context

More than 40 people have lost their lives and numerous homes have been burned in conflicts between Kuki and Naga tribes since February of this year. Previously, the state suffered major ethnic violence between Meiteis from the Imphal Valley and Kukis from the surrounding hills, which left over 300 people dead, dozens missing, and thousands without homes. Hill districts in the region frequently face severe security challenges due to complex ethnic tensions and the presence of various armed groups.