The situation remained tense in Manipur’s hill districts of Kamjong, Ukhrul and Kangpokpi on Sunday, even as no fresh incidents of violence were reported. The death toll from the latest round of clashes between Naga and Kuki communities has risen to nine, including a woman.
Among those killed over Friday and Saturday were six Nagas, two Kukis and a Gorkha farmer, making it one of the deadliest outbreaks of violence in the state this year.
Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh condemned the killings and appealed for peace and restraint. He said authorities had been directed to take immediate and effective measures to restore law and order and ensure the safety of all citizens. The Chief Minister also urged community leaders and civil society organisations to work together to de-escalate tensions through dialogue and cooperation.
Security forces, including personnel from the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and Manipur Police, have intensified patrolling and search operations across the affected districts.
The latest violence began after 42-year-old Domkhonei Touthang, a mother of five, was shot dead in Chassad village of Kamjong district on Friday night. The killing triggered armed clashes between Kuki and Naga groups, resulting in another death and the burning of 10 houses.
In separate incidents on Saturday, suspected militants killed three people in Kangpokpi district, including two Naga village guards, while two more people were shot dead in Ningchou village near the India-Myanmar border. In Ukhrul district, 40-year-old Sandeep Rai of the Nepali community was also killed after militants allegedly opened fire on his vehicle.
Since February, more than 40 people have reportedly been killed and numerous houses torched in recurring clashes involving Naga and Kuki communities across several hill districts of Manipur.
