Armed Attack Leaves Kuki Woman Dead and Two Injured in Manipur

Unidentified armed men shot and killed a Kuki woman and injured two men in Manipur on Thursday, November 12, 2026.

The Incident

The attack took place around 11 a.m. near Taphou Kuki village. The village falls under the jurisdiction of the Senapati police station, though it is geographically closer to the Kuki-majority Kangpokpi district near the border with Naga-dominated Senapati. The victims were harvesting paddy in their fields when the gunfire started, causing panic and forcing farmers to flee. Police and local reports identified the dead woman as 41-year-old Kimneineng Chongloi, the wife of Thanggou Chongloi. The injured villagers, identified as David Chongloi or Sehngam Chongloi and Lamchon Chongloi or Lamkhochon Chongloi, sustained bullet injuries and are receiving treatment at the Kangpokpi District Hospital.

Protests and Background

The shooting occurred during ongoing protests by the Committee on Tribal Unity, a Kangpokpi-based Kuki organisation. The group is protesting the lack of action on its demands following the October 28 abduction and killing of two Kuki youths, 20-year-old Paoginlal Hangsing and Tinginlun Chongloi, from the same village. Their bodies were found on November 1 near National Highway-2, prompting public anger and a visit to the village by Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh. The State government has handed that case over to the National Investigation Agency.

Reactions

The Committee on Tribal Unity criticised both the Manipur government and the central government for what it called indifference to the security of the Kuki-Zo community. The group warned that it would review its next steps and stated that the governments will bear responsibility for any consequences if civilian safety and justice are not secured.

Context

Manipur has faced severe ethnic violence and security challenges over recent years, leaving many communities deeply vulnerable. Incidents in border areas often heighten local tensions and trigger widespread protests over law and order. Authorities continue to investigate the source of Thursday's shooting as communities deal with the aftermath.