Manipur Violence: Death Toll Rises To Nine As Fresh Clashes Rock Hill Districts, CM Appeals For Peace

The situation remained tense in Manipur on Sunday after fresh clashes between Kuki and Naga communities claimed nine lives across Kamjong, Ukhrul and Kangpokpi districts. Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh appealed for peace and restraint as additional security forces were deployed to prevent further violence.

“I condemn the killing of innocent civilians and the violence,” Singh said in a social media post, adding that authorities had been instructed to take immediate measures to restore law and order and ensure public safety. He urged all communities to prioritise dialogue and harmony.

The latest violence began on Friday night after unidentified assailants shot dead a 22-year-old woman and mother of five in Chassad village in Kamjong district. The incident triggered an exchange of fire between Kuki and Naga armed groups, leaving a 42-year-old man dead and 10 houses torched. Prohibitory orders were imposed to prevent further unrest.

In Kangpokpi district, two Naga village guards, M Daimai and R Gangmei, and another person identified as Ringkangmai were killed in attacks on Tapon and Makui villages. A Naga civil society organisation also alleged that a 52-year-old villager, Ajinbou R, was beheaded by militants and demanded the return of his severed head for a dignified burial.

In Kamjong's Ningchou village, near the India-Myanmar border, suspected militants killed Ngachanso Ningshen, 35, and Leishishan Leishadang, 48, officials said. In Ukhrul district, Sandeep Rai, 40, was killed when suspected militants fired at his car near Chepu Yaolen village. Further exchanges of fire were reported in Kangpokpi.

More than 40 people have been killed in Kuki-Naga violence since February this year, with dozens of houses torched.

Manipur has also suffered prolonged ethnic violence between Meiteis, concentrated in the Imphal Valley, and Kukis in the surrounding hills. That conflict has claimed more than 300 lives, left 49 people missing and displaced thousands, underscoring the challenge of restoring lasting peace in the state.