5 Killed in Fresh Clashes Between Armed Groups in Manipur
Five people, including a woman, were killed in fresh violence involving armed groups in Manipur's Kamjong and Ukhrul districts, while several houses were set ablaze, officials said on Saturday.
Guwahati: Five people, including a woman, were killed in fresh violence involving armed groups in Manipur's Kamjong and Ukhrul districts, while several houses were set ablaze, officials said on Saturday.
In Kamjong district, a 42-year-old woman and a 22-year-old man were killed following clashes between Kuki and Naga armed groups in the Kuki-dominated Chassad village.
The woman, a mother of five, was shot near her neck on Friday night and died within minutes.
Her killing triggered an exchange of fire between the two groups, which continued into Saturday morning.
The 22-year-old man was killed in the ensuing violence, during which at least 10 houses were torched, officials said.
Following the clashes, the district administration imposed prohibitory orders under Section 162 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) within a 400-metre radius of the Chassad police gate junction, banning gatherings of five or more people to prevent further violence.
In another incident in Kamjong district, suspected militants entered Ningchou village, a Tangkhul Naga settlement near the Myanmar border, and opened fire, killing two residents.
The deceased were identified as Ngachanso Ningshen, 35, and Leishishan Leishadang, 48.
Security forces rushed to the village and brought the situation under control.
Local residents claimed that the attackers fled towards Myanmar after the firing. The bodies were shifted to Kamjong district hospital for post-mortem examinations.
In neighbouring Ukhrul district, 40-year-old Sandeep Rai was shot dead when suspected militants opened fire at his vehicle near Chepu Yaolen.
He died inside the four-wheeler he was driving, officials said.
A heavy exchange of fire was also reported between armed groups at Makui Ashang and Tapon in Kangpokpi district.
More than 40 people have been killed and dozens of houses torched since violence between Kuki and Naga communities erupted in February this year.
The unrest has largely affected Ukhrul, Kamjong, Kangpokpi, Tamenglong and Noney districts, besides parts of Senapati.
Security forces have intensified search operations and area domination exercises in vulnerable areas to prevent further clashes.
Manipur has been grappling with ethnic violence since May 2023, when clashes between Meiteis and Kuki-Zo communities erupted.
More than 260 people have been killed and thousands displaced in the prolonged unrest.
