Manipur Unrest: 28 Houses Torched, Families Flee as Naga–Kuki Tensions Flare

At least 28 houses were set ablaze in separate incidents in Manipur’s Kamjong district over 24 hours, forcing civilians to flee amid renewed violence involving Naga and Kuki communities, police said.

At least 13 abandoned Naga-community houses were torched by unidentified miscreants in Pilong and Skipe villages near the Myanmar border on Sunday. The houses had been vacated following earlier attacks, officials said.

In a separate incident, 15 houses belonging to the Kuki community were burned in Chassad village on Saturday night. Residents fled to nearby forests and an Army camp for shelter.

The arson followed an attack in Chassad in which a Kuki civilian was killed and four others sustained bullet injuries, according to reports. In another incident at Kamjong district headquarters on Saturday night, three Tangkhul Naga civilians were injured in a shooting involving armed groups.

Separately, two people were injured when unidentified armed men opened fire on a car travelling between Gwaltabi and Mahadeva along National Highway 202 in neighbouring Ukhrul district, police said.

The Assam Rifles, Border Security Force (BSF) and Kamjong Police deployed a joint team in the affected area to bring the situation under control. Police said necessary security measures had been taken following the attacks. The identities and affiliations of those responsible for the arson and shootings had not been established in the reports available.

Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen condemned the violence in Chassad and directed authorities to remain vigilant and protect civilian lives and property.

Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh has appealed to religious leaders, teachers and students to promote peace and harmony in the hill districts, according to reports.

The latest incidents come amid continuing clashes between Naga and Kuki communities across several hill districts, including Kamjong, Ukhrul, Tamenglong, Kangpokpi and Noney. More than 50 people have reportedly been killed since February, while dozens of houses have been burned, according to reports.

Investigations into the latest incidents and efforts to ensure the safety of residents remain key concerns as tensions persist in the affected areas.