Tension continued across the violence-hit hill districts of Manipur on Sunday as the death toll from fresh clashes between two communities rose to nine.
The new spate of killings was reported across Kamjong, Ukhrul, and Kangpokpi districts on Friday and Saturday, reports New Indian Express.
Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh condemned the killing of innocent civilians and appealed for peace and restraint, instructing the authorities concerned to take immediate and effective measures to control the situation and restore order.
“I condemn the killing of innocent civilians and the violence… I have instructed the authorities concerned to take immediate and effective steps to control the situation, restore peace and order and ensure the safety and security of all citizens,” Singh said, urging all communities to exercise restraint and prioritise peace, dialogue, and harmony.
Officials confirmed that additional security forces have been rushed to the worst-affected districts of Kangpokpi and Kamjong to bring the situation under control.
The fresh violence erupted after a 22-year-old mother of five was shot dead by unknown assailants on Friday night in Kuki-dominated Chassad village, located within Naga-majority Kamjong district.
Her killing triggered an exchange of fire between Kuki and Naga armed groups that continued until Saturday morning, leaving a 42-year-old man dead and 10 houses torched. Prohibitory orders under Section 162 of the BNSS have been imposed in the village to prevent further escalation.
Following the Chassad incident, suspected militants attacked Tapon and Makui villages in Kangpokpi district on Saturday, killing two Naga village guards, M Daimai and R Gangmei, as well as another person identified as Ringkangmai. A heavy exchange of fire between armed groups was also reported at Makui Ashang and Tapon.
A Naga civil society organisation, Working Committee JTC Manipur, claimed that a 52-year-old villager, identified as Ajinbou R, was beheaded by militants, demanding the return of his severed head for a dignified burial.
In Kamjong district on Saturday, suspected militants entered Ningchou village—a Tangkhul Naga settlement near the India-Myanmar border—and opened fire, killing 35-year-old Ngachanso Ningshen and 48-year-old Leishishan Leishadang.
Local residents reported that the attackers fled towards Myanmar following the shooting, after which security forces rushed to the area.
In Ukhrul district, a 40-year-old man, identified as Sandeep Rai, died inside his vehicle when suspected militants opened fire at his car near Chepu Yaolen village on Saturday.
Violence between the Kuki and Naga tribes since February this year has claimed more than 40 lives and resulted in dozens of homes being torched.
The state had earlier witnessed ethnic violence between Imphal Valley-based Meiteis and adjoining hills-based Kukis, in which over 300 people were killed, 49 remained missing, and thousands were rendered homeless.
