Escalating Violence in Manipur: Nine Confirmed Dead Amid Kuki-Naga Clashes
Violence Erupts in Manipur's Hill Districts
Approximately 10 homes were set ablaze during the recent clashes (Photo: AT)
Imphal, Oct 11: The recent surge in violence between Kuki and Naga factions in Manipur has resulted in the identification of nine casualties, as tensions persist in the hill districts of Kamjong, Ukhrul, and Kangpokpi following deadly confrontations that led to multiple fatalities and property destruction.
The deceased include six individuals from the Naga community, two from the Kuki community, including a woman, and one man of Nepali descent.
The victims have been named as Domkhonei Touthang, Michael Ngamminlen Haokip, Ngachanso Ningshen, Leishishan Hungyo, Machungwangbou, Machungammamg, Ajinpou Ringkangmai, Robart, and Sandeep Rai.
In response to the violence, additional security personnel have been deployed to the most affected regions, according to officials.
The unrest escalated on the same day that Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his residence in New Delhi to discuss measures aimed at restoring peace in the state.
During their discussion, Khemchand Singh emphasized the resumption of bus services between Imphal, Dimapur, and Guwahati, as well as efforts to ensure the smooth transport of goods along National Highways 37 and 2.
He also informed the Prime Minister about initiatives designed to rebuild trust among various communities.
The Chief Minister requested Modi's approval for a proposal to elevate certain state highways to national highway status and sought the enhancement of the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Imphal to the level of an All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). Additionally, he extended an invitation for the Prime Minister to visit Manipur.
Manipur's Chief Minister with PM Narendra Modi on Saturday (Photo: AT)
Modi recognized the efforts of the state government and noted improvements in the situation in Manipur.
He assured that the legitimate concerns of the state would be addressed, considering the aspirations of its residents.
Condemning the recent killings, the Chief Minister instructed relevant authorities to take swift and effective measures to restore peace and ensure the safety of all citizens.
The latest wave of violence was triggered by the shooting death of a Kuki woman, a mother of five, by unidentified gunmen in Chassad village on Friday night. This incident sparked an exchange of gunfire between Kuki and Naga armed groups that persisted into Saturday morning, resulting in the death of a 42-year-old man and the destruction of 10 homes.
Prohibitory measures were enacted in the village to avert further violence.
The unrest subsequently spread to other regions. Two Naga village guards, M Daimai and R Gangmei, along with another individual named Ringkangmai, were killed in an attack by suspected militants in Tapon and Makui villages in Kangpokpi district on Saturday, as reported by officials.
The Working Committee JTC Manipur, a Naga civil society group, also claimed that a 52-year-old villager, Ajinbou R, was beheaded by militants and demanded the return of his severed head for a proper burial.
In Ningchou village, a Tangkhul Naga settlement near the India-Myanmar border in Kamjong district, suspected militants opened fire on Saturday, resulting in the deaths of two individuals, Ngachanso Ningshen, 35, and Leishishan Leishadang, 48. Security forces were dispatched to the village following the incident, while residents reported that the assailants fled towards Myanmar.
In Ukhrul district, Sandeep Rai, 40, was shot and killed near Chepu Yaolen village when suspected militants opened fire on his vehicle, according to officials. A significant exchange of gunfire was also reported between armed groups in Makui Ashang and Tapon in Kangpokpi district.
The recent incidents have exacerbated the ongoing Kuki-Naga conflict, which has claimed over 40 lives and resulted in the destruction of numerous homes since February of this year.