Kuki Villager Shot Dead in Manipur Amid Rising Tensions

A tragic shooting incident in Manipur's Kangpokpi district has left a Kuki villager dead, raising serious concerns about civilian safety in the region. The victim, Paolen Khongsai, was attacked while gathering bamboo shoots, and another individual escaped unharmed. The Kuki Youth Organisation has condemned the violence and called for the restoration of security measures. This incident follows a series of violent attacks in the area, prompting the Chief Minister to take action. A statewide strike has disrupted normal life as authorities face increasing pressure to ensure the safety of residents. Read on for more details about this alarming situation.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 20, 2026, 22:56 IST

Tragic Incident in Kangpokpi District

The deceased has been identified as Paolen Khongsai of P. Molding village. (Photo)

Imphal, Oct 20: In a tragic event on Tuesday morning, a 45-year-old villager from the Kuki community was fatally shot by unknown assailants in the Kangpokpi district of Manipur. Another individual who was with him managed to escape unharmed, as concerns about civilian safety continue to escalate in the region.

The victim, identified as Paolen Khongsai from P. Molding village, was reportedly on his way to a forested area between P. Molding and Molhoi villages to gather bamboo shoots when the attack occurred around 8 am.

Khongsai suffered severe gunshot wounds and died at the scene, while his companion, Laldenga, was fortunate to remain uninjured. This incident took place approximately 13 kilometers from the Leimakhong Police Station.

Authorities have initiated an investigation into the murder, and Khongsai's remains are set to be transported to Kangpokpi for a post-mortem examination.

The Kuki Youth Organisation (KYO) from Leimakhong Block has condemned this act of violence, alleging that the NSCN-IM and ZUF-Kamson may be involved.

These claims have not been independently verified, and police have only described the attackers as unidentified gunmen.

The KYO has also expressed concerns regarding the withdrawal of security forces from Leimakhong, questioning how this affects the safety of local residents.

They have called for immediate action to restore security measures in Leimakhong and for justice for all victims, regardless of their ethnic background.

This incident follows heightened tensions in the area, particularly after two separate attacks in Imphal East and Thoubal districts on Monday, which resulted in the deaths of four civilians.

In response, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh has instructed security forces to track down those responsible for the killings in Imphal East.

He also held meetings with National Democratic Alliance (NDA) legislators and senior security officials to assess the situation following the recent violence in Thoubal.

A statewide general strike lasting 48 hours was called in reaction to the Imphal East attack, disrupting daily life and increasing uncertainty as authorities face renewed demands to ensure the safety of civilians throughout Manipur.