Imphal, April 24: Tension has intensified in Ukhrul district after Mulam Kuki village came under a pre-dawn armed attack on April 24, with reports of indiscriminate firing, arson and suspected casualties, according to local accounts.
Residents and a statement issued by the Mulam Village Authority said the incident began around 1:00 am with a blank shot heard near the settlement. The situation escalated sharply at approximately 5:30 am when heavily armed assailants allegedly launched a coordinated assault, opening fire and setting multiple houses ablaze.
The attackers are suspected to be armed militants from the Tangkhul community, although there has been no official confirmation from authorities.
At least two individuals sustained serious injuries and were rescued, while reports of further casualties remain unverified. One death has been reported by local sources, but officials have not confirmed the fatality.
Describing the incident as a significant escalation, the village authority stated that the nature of the attack suggested deliberate targeting of civilians and termed it a “grave and unacceptable development” amid already fragile conditions in the region.
The latest violence follows a string of incidents in recent days that had heightened tensions. On April 19, armed individuals reportedly entered farmland in Mulam village and fired blank shots at farmers, causing panic. Later the same day, youths who approached the group were allegedly fired upon, though no injuries were reported. A further incident on April 21 involved firing directed at farmers, disrupting agricultural activity and deepening fear among residents.
Locals said repeated incidents have created an atmosphere of sustained intimidation, with villagers living under constant threat. Despite the mounting tension, the community had exercised restraint and appealed for a peaceful resolution, the statement added.
The Mulam Village Authority said urgent alerts had been issued to authorities in nearby areas, including Toungou and Sirarikhong, seeking immediate intervention. However, no effective response had been reported at the time of filing.
Residents have called for swift administrative action, warning that any delay could result in further civilian casualties in the conflict-affected area.
