Over the past 24 hours, a series of violent incidents in the hill districts of Manipur have reportedly resulted in nine fatalities and the burning of fourteen homes. This spate of violence has escalated tensions between the Kuki and Naga communities. The incidents include shootings, ambushes, and arson, prompting the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) to declare a 24-hour shutdown in Kangpokpi district, beginning at 6 pm on Saturday.

Among the deceased is a Kuki woman, whose death occurred during an exchange of gunfire in Kamjong district. Additionally, Naga village guards lost their lives in separate attacks within the same district, and a civilian was fatally shot during an ambush in Ukhrul district. Authorities have imposed restrictions in parts of Kamjong and initiated investigations into these separate incidents.

The violence reportedly commenced late on Friday night near the Chassad police station in Kamjong district. Domkhonei Touthang, a 42-year-old mother of five, was killed during a security operation aimed at dismantling alleged illegal bunkers. Following attempts by local women to obstruct the security forces, unidentified armed individuals allegedly opened fire, resulting in Touthang being mortally wounded.

Details of the Fatal Incidents

According to police reports, the armed forces were conducting the operation when tensions escalated. Touthang sustained a fatal bullet injury to her upper left chest near the neck and died instantly. This incident occurred around 9.35 pm on October 9 and was followed by significant unrest, leading to further gunfire and arson that left multiple residences burnt.

As the violence continued, miscreants allegedly attempted to set fire to the Chassad police station, damaging nearby wooden shops. Gunfire resumed early on Saturday morning, beginning around 5 am and continuing until approximately 7 am. Consequently, the Kamjong district administration established a prohibition on gatherings within a 400-metre radius of the police station.

In another brutal attack, the Kuki Women Union reported the death of 23-year-old Michael Ngamminlen Haokip, allegedly at the hands of members of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah). This claim has yet to be independently substantiated. Additionally, two Naga village guards were killed in an attack at Ningchou Chingdong village later on Saturday morning.

Community Response and Ongoing Investigations

In Kangpokpi district, targeted attacks on Naga village volunteers resulted in further violence. A 35-year-old volunteer was ambushed and killed, with two others sustaining injuries. This ambush occurred along the Imphal-Tamenglong road, and followed an earlier assault in the same area that involved the deaths of three Naga village guards.

Another casualty was reported in Ukhrul district, where a man was shot dead while travelling in his vehicle near Konjang village. Police have filed a report regarding the incident, but the identity and motives of the attackers remain unknown. The rising violence has prompted the CoTU to announce a complete shutdown in Kangpokpi district as a response to the ongoing attacks.

The Committee condemned the violence and called for restoration of peace and calm among civilians. As the situation remains volatile, security measures are being intensified, and investigations are being conducted to prevent further retaliatory violence between the conflicting communities in Manipur’s hill districts.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share