Escalating Violence in Manipur Claims More Lives
Tragic Incidents in Manipur
The deceased have been identified as Michael Ngamminlen Haokip and Sandeep Rai.
Imphal, Oct 10: Violence in Manipur's Kamjong and Ukhrul districts resulted in the deaths of two individuals on Saturday, as gunfire and arson incidents intensified in the area.
In Kamjong district, a 23-year-old named Michael Ngamminlen Haokip was shot dead in Chassad on Saturday morning after suspected militants opened fire.
In a separate incident in Ukhrul district, a 40-year-old civilian, Sandeep Rai, was killed in an ambush near Shaila Kuti, close to Chepu Yaolen. Reports indicate that militants fired upon his vehicle, resulting in his immediate death. Police arrived at the scene shortly after.
These fatalities followed the earlier death of Domkhonei Touthang, a Kuki woman and mother of five, who succumbed to gunshot wounds around 9:40 PM on Friday in Chassad.
Reports indicate that at least 10 homes and 20 shops were set ablaze in and around Chassad as violence escalated on Saturday. Gunfire and arson incidents were prevalent amid rising tensions.
The full extent of the damage and the number of displaced individuals remain uncertain. While some reports suggest the death toll could be as high as seven, only the identities of the three deceased mentioned have been confirmed so far. The toll may increase as more information becomes available.
In response to the violence, the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), Sadar Hills, has announced a 24-hour total shutdown across Kangpokpi district starting at 6 PM on Saturday to protest the killings.
The organization cited alleged coordinated attacks in Chassad, Yaolen in Ukhrul district, and along the Imphal-Tengnoupal Road, claiming involvement from NSCN-IM-linked Tangkhul and Liangmei groups. Emergency medical services are exempt from the shutdown.
The Kuki Workers’ Union (KWU) has condemned the murders of Domkhonei Touthang and Michael Ngamminlen Haokip, demanding the filing of an FIR under Sections 103 and 105 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the removal of the IRB post, and an independent investigation.
In light of the unrest, the Kamjong district administration has enforced prohibitory orders around Chassad Police Gate Junction due to concerns over public safety.
On October 9, District Magistrate L. N. Kashung invoked Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, which prohibits gatherings of five or more people, carrying weapons, and movement outside homes within a 400-meter radius of the junction. These restrictions will remain in effect until further notice, with exemptions for security personnel, magistrates on duty, essential service workers, and individuals with special permits.
The District Magistrate has instructed the Superintendent of Police to ensure adequate security in the restricted area.
Additionally, the Kuki-Zo Women’s Forum, based in Delhi and NCR, has condemned the killing of Domkhonei and called for a fair, timely investigation, accountability for those responsible, and humanitarian, psychological, and financial support for her grieving family, especially her five children.
The situation in the affected areas remains tense, with the casualty count likely to change as more details emerge.