Seven injured in fresh gunfight in Manipur’s Ukhrul; tensions between communities rise

At least seven people were injured in a fresh gunfight between armed groups linked to the Tangkhul Naga and Kuki communities in Manipur’s Ukhrul district early Monday, officials said.

According to police, the exchange of fire began around 5 a.m. in Ringui village, a Tangkhul Naga settlement located about 25 kilometers from the Luichong Maiphei police station. Authorities suspect armed Kuki militants initiated the attack, though details remain under verification.

Seven individuals were wounded in the incident, including six from the Tangkhul Naga community and one Kuki individual. Officials said the injured Tangkhul Naga victims are receiving treatment at Ukhrul District Hospital.

Police sources said the situation remained volatile hours after the initial clash. “The gunfight is ongoing, and security forces have not yet reached the exact location. We have reports of gunfire involving sophisticated assault weapons, but the groups involved are yet to be confirmed,” an अधिकारी said.

The injured have been identified as Horchan (26), Shairei (33), Ngashanchui Sayai (28) from Ramva village; Themzam (35) from Tashar; Chinaoya (36) from Phalee; and Thotreingam (39) from Leiyaram, all in Ukhrul district.

The Ringui Village Protection Committee condemned the attack, alleging it was carried out by Kuki militants operating under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement. The committee claimed the assault began around 4:40 a.m. while members of the Naga Village Guard were on routine patrol and involved the use of advanced weapons positioned in bunkers around Ringui Horei hills and Hamsan areas.

Calling the incident “barbaric,” the committee urged authorities to launch an immediate investigation and ensure accountability.

In response, the Kuki Civil Society Organisation (CSO) working committee issued a counter-claim, accusing the NSCN (Eastern Flank) faction of initiating the violence. The group alleged that armed cadres attempted to enter Kuki-inhabited areas through the Tongou sector near the Kampa range. It also reported that one of its volunteers sustained critical injuries, though officials have not confirmed this.

The latest clash is part of a continuing cycle of violence in Ukhrul district. On April 28, three Tangkhul Naga individuals were injured in a similar incident in Ringui village.

Tensions have persisted since February, when a confrontation between youths from the two communities escalated into widespread unrest, resulting in the burning of more than 50 houses, including government buildings.

In earlier incidents, two Tangkhul Naga civilians were killed in an ambush on April 18 while traveling from Imphal to Ukhrul. On April 24, three armed individuals — two Kuki and one Tangkhul Naga — died in separate gunfights in Sinakeithei village.

Separately, police are investigating the killing of a 63-year-old woman in Kangpokpi district. The victim, identified as Puspa Devi, originally from West Bengal and residing in Charhajare, was found dead at her home on the night of May 3.

Officials said unidentified attackers allegedly entered her house around 10 p.m., killed her with a sharp weapon and looted valuables, including cash and gold. A police team recovered a kitchen knife from the scene and has sent the body to the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences in Imphal for autopsy.

The Manipur Gorkha Welfare Union condemned the killing, calling it a “barbaric and inhuman crime” and demanded swift action against those responsible.