IMPHAL, Oct 11: The death toll from fresh clashes between Kuki and Naga communities in Manipur’s hill districts rose to nine on Sunday, as Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh appealed for restraint and directed authorities to take immediate measures to restore peace and protect civilians.
The latest killings were reported from Kamjong, Ukhrul and Kangpokpi districts on October 9 and 10. Officials said additional security forces had been deployed to the worst-affected areas of Kangpokpi and Kamjong to contain the violence.
In a social media post, Singh condemned the killings and the attacks on civilians, saying he had instructed the authorities concerned to take immediate and effective steps to control the situation and ensure the safety of all citizens. He urged communities to prioritise peace, dialogue and harmony.
The fresh violence began on Friday night after unidentified assailants shot dead a 22-year-old woman and mother of five in Chassad village in Kamjong district, where Kuki and Naga communities live in adjoining areas. The killing reportedly triggered an exchange of fire between armed groups that continued until Saturday morning, leaving a 42-year-old man dead and 10 houses torched. Prohibitory orders were imposed in the village to prevent further violence.
In Kangpokpi district, two Naga village guards, identified as M Daimai and R Gangmei, and another person, Ringkangmai, were reportedly killed when suspected militants attacked Tapon and Makui villages on October 10.
The Working Committee JTC Manipur, a Naga civil society organisation, alleged that a 52-year-old villager, identified as Ajinbou R, was beheaded by militants. The organisation demanded the return of his severed head for a dignified burial.
In Kamjong district, suspected militants reportedly entered Ningchou village, a Tangkhul Naga settlement near the India-Myanmar border, and opened fire, killing Ngachanso Ningshen, 35, and Leishishan Leishadang, 48. Local residents claimed the attackers fled towards Myanmar.
In another incident, a 40-year-old man, Sandeep Rai, was allegedly shot dead inside his car near Chepu Yaolen village in Ukhrul district on October 10, officials said.
Heavy exchanges of fire were also reported between armed groups at Makui Ashang and Tapon in Kangpokpi district.
More than 40 people have reportedly been killed and dozens of houses torched in clashes between Kuki and Naga communities since February this year.
Manipur had earlier witnessed large-scale ethnic violence between Meiteis in the Imphal Valley and Kukis in the surrounding hill areas. More than 300 people were killed, 49 remained missing and thousands were displaced during that period.
