Escalating Tensions in Ukhrul: Fresh Incidents of Violence Reported

Ongoing Violence in Ukhrul-Kamjong Region

Imphal, March 24: Tensions continue to rise along the Ukhrul–Kamjong foothill area as new reports of gunfire emerged from three different locations, resulting in injuries to two individuals just a day after a woman was hurt in Mongkot Chepu village.

The injured parties have been identified as Reichan Lungleng, aged 22, and Ringyui Ramror, aged 34, both hailing from Sharkaphung village in Kamjong district.

This village is situated along National Highway-202, which connects Imphal and Ukhrul, positioned between Shangkai and Mongkot Chepu.

As of now, security agencies have not officially confirmed these incidents.

The Central Working Committee of the Tangkhul Naga Foothills Organisation (CWC, TNFO) reported that armed groups allegedly fired from various locations, including the Chassad–Kamjong route and areas like Shangkai and Mongkot Chepu.

The organisation accused Kuki militants, who are reportedly operating under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement, of targeting Tangkhul Naga villages such as Kamjong, Sharkaphung, and Thoyee.

"These actions are utterly condemnable and threaten the peace, stability, and communal harmony of the area. The ongoing provocations by armed groups, especially in the presence of Central Forces, raise serious concerns about the effectiveness of the security measures in place," the statement emphasized.

It also highlighted the alleged use of advanced weaponry.

The organisation has called for immediate action from the state government, including the deployment of sufficient security personnel in vulnerable villages like Thoyee and Sharkaphung to ensure the safety of civilians and restore normalcy.

It noted that previous requests, such as upgrading Litan Police Station and increasing security presence in critical areas, have largely gone unaddressed, leaving sensitive regions vulnerable.

The situation along the NH-202 corridor remains precarious, with ongoing incidents of gunfire and conflicting claims complicating stabilization efforts.

On Monday, the Kuki CSO Working Committee in Ukhrul condemned the incident in Mongkot Chepu, labeling it a deliberate attack on civilians.

“We strongly and unequivocally condemn the cowardly and unprovoked armed attack on innocent villagers of Mongkot Chepu,” the committee stated, noting that victims, including women engaged in their daily farming activities, were subjected to “indiscriminate and targeted gunfire.”