Renewed Violence in Ukhrul District Claims Lives Amid Ongoing Tensions
Violence Erupts Again in Ukhrul District
Miscreants allegedly set several houses on fire in Mulam village
Imphal, Apr 24: Ukhrul district has once again been shaken by violence, with reports indicating three fatalities in various incidents. Heavy gunfire persisted, and houses were reportedly set ablaze in Mulam village, located under the jurisdiction of Litan Police Station.
A press release from the Working Committee of the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) revealed that a Naga Village Guard (NVG), Horshokmi Jamang (29), from Chatrick Khullen village in Kamjong district, was killed early Friday near Sinakeithei village.
Troops from the 131 Battalion BSF discovered two bodies dressed in combat gear on the road connecting Mullam and Shonhphal villages around 11:25 am. An official stated, “Before reaching Mullam village, two dead bodies were found on the road.” The identities of these individuals remain unverified at this time.
The TNL accused Kuki militants, operating under a Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement, of ambushing Jamang while he was on patrol between Sirarakhong and Sinakeithei, following reports of suspicious activity in the vicinity.
The TNL expressed condolences to Jamang's family, honoring his sacrifice and bravery in defending his homeland.
KOHUR claimed that the assault occurred around 5:30 am, involving arson and gunfire directed at civilians, resulting in injuries to several villagers, including women and children. They also alleged that two Kuki village volunteers lost their lives while protecting their community.
The organization characterized the incident as part of a disturbing trend of violence and called for immediate action, including the filing of FIRs, arrests of those responsible, deployment of adequate central forces, medical aid for victims, and reconstruction of damaged properties.
In a separate incident, Mulam village faced an attack early in the morning, causing panic among residents and escalating tensions further.
The Mulam Village Authority reported a “full-scale armed attack” around 5:30 am, marked by heavy and indiscriminate firing along with arson. Initially, a blank shot was heard around 1 am, but the alarm was not raised due to the recent unrest.
Two individuals with severe injuries were rescued, while additional unconfirmed injuries and one unverified death were reported.
The Village Authority condemned the incident as “unprovoked and premeditated,” highlighting the seriousness of a direct assault on a civilian village as a grave and unacceptable occurrence.
Residents reported that gunfire began around midnight, resumed at 5 am, and continued for an extended period, instilling fear in the community.
The Village Authority emphasized that the recent spate of violence, including attacks on farmers on April 19 and 21, has fostered an atmosphere of fear and intimidation.
In response to the violence, numerous women blocked roads leading to Ukhrul in the Yaingangpokpi Bazar area, disrupting traffic and protesting the ongoing turmoil.
The Village Authority also noted that previous requests for intervention from authorities in nearby areas, such as Toungou and Sirarikhong, went unanswered, urging the government to take immediate action to avert further casualties.
Security forces have been deployed in the region, but tensions remain high. Official confirmation of the incidents was still pending at the time of this report.