A fresh bout of violence in Manipur’s Kamjong district claimed the life of a 36-year-old man and left four others injured after an exchange of fire between armed groups allegedly linked to the Kuki and Naga communities in Chassad village on Saturday.
According to police officials familiar with the incident, the gunfight began at around 2.30 pm and continued into the evening, further escalating tensions in the region.
The deceased was identified as Seikhohou Haokip, 36. Among those injured were village head Thangjahou Haokip, 48, Khailun Haokip, 57, Hegin Haokip, 48, and Seipao Haokip, 55.
An officer said Assam Rifles personnel rescued the injured and shifted them to a hospital operated by the paramilitary force in Chassad. Seikhohou later succumbed to his injuries, while the other four victims are receiving medical treatment.
Local residents alleged that the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isaac Muivah (NSCN-IM) and Tangkhul militants operating from Myanmar were responsible for the attack. However, these claims have not been independently verified.
The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) strongly condemned the incident and called on the state government to deploy central security forces in the affected area to prevent further violence and ensure the safety of residents.
The state government had not issued a statement on the incident at the time of reporting.
The latest attack comes amid sustained tensions between the Kuki and Naga communities in Manipur. On Thursday, a woman belonging to the Kuki community was killed, while two men from the same community sustained injuries in another exchange of fire.
In a separate incident, a volunteer associated with the Naga Village Guard-Eastern Command was also wounded by gunfire, highlighting the continuing security concerns in the region.
Since February, clashes between the Kuki and Naga communities have reportedly claimed more than 50 lives and led to the burning of dozens of houses. The violence has spread across several districts, including Tamenglong, Kamjong, Ukhrul, Noney and Kangpokpi, raising concerns over the deteriorating law-and-order situation in the state.