Manipur Violence: At Least 5 Killed, Homes and Shops Torched Across Hill Districts
At least five people were reported killed, with some reports putting the toll at nine, as fresh clashes, arson and ambushes triggered restrictions and a shutdown call in parts of Manipur.
IMPHAL- Fresh violence involving armed groups has rocked Manipur’s hill districts of Kamjong, Ukhrul and Kangpokpi, leaving at least five people dead, several others reportedly injured, and homes and shops torched. While initial official accounts confirmed five deaths, some media reports put the toll at nine, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding the full extent of the violence.
The latest incidents, which began on Friday night and continued into Saturday, have intensified tensions between Kuki and Naga communities. Authorities have imposed prohibitory restrictions in parts of Kamjong, while a Kuki organisation has called a 24-hour shutdown in Kangpokpi district.
Woman’s killing triggers fresh firing in Chassad
The violence escalated in Chassad village in Kamjong district on Friday night when 42-year-old Domkhonei Touthang, a mother of five, was shot and killed.
According to officials cited in media reports, her death was followed by an exchange of fire between armed Kuki and Naga groups that continued into Saturday morning. A 22-year-old man, identified as Michael Ngamminlen Haokip, was also killed during the subsequent clashes.
At least 10 houses were reported torched in Chassad in initial accounts, while later reports put the number of damaged or burnt homes at 14. Some reports also cited the burning of around 20 shops in and around the area.
Community organisations have offered conflicting allegations about the circumstances surrounding the woman’s death and the subsequent violence. These claims have not been independently established and remain subject to investigation.
Two village guards killed in Kamjong; man shot dead in Ukhrul
In a separate incident, two Naga village guards, identified in reports as Ngachanso Ningshen and Leishishan Leishadang, were reportedly shot dead in Ningchou village in Kamjong district, near the Myanmar border.
Authorities are investigating the attack, including the possible involvement of armed groups operating across the international border.
In neighbouring Ukhrul district, 40-year-old Sandeep Rai, a member of the Nepali/Gorkha community, was shot dead in an alleged ambush near Chepu Yaolen while driving his vehicle. Suspected militants were reported to have opened fire on the vehicle.
Gunfire and further confrontations were also reported along the Imphal-Tamenglong road near Makui and Tapon in Kangpokpi district. Former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh additionally raised concerns over two people reportedly missing from Makui Ashang.
The number of casualties in these separate incidents remains disputed, and reports of additional deaths require further official confirmation.
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Prohibitory orders imposed; security operations intensified
The Kamjong district administration imposed restrictions within a 400-metre radius of Chassad Police Gate Junction to prevent further violence.
The order, issued under Section 162 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), prohibits the assembly of five or more people and restricts movement in the specified area, subject to exemptions.
Police and security forces have undertaken search and area-domination operations in the affected locations. Investigations into the killings and arson incidents are ongoing.
Reports that a police station had been burnt also circulated on social media. However, Kamjong Police denied reports that the police station had been set on fire.
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Shutdown call and sharp reactions from community leaders
The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), a Kuki organisation, called a 24-hour total shutdown in Kangpokpi district beginning at 6 pm on Saturday. Emergency medical services were exempted.
The organisation condemned what it described as coordinated attacks in Chassad, Yaolen and along the Imphal-Tamenglong road, and appealed to people to remain vigilant.
Kuki Inpi Manipur also condemned the reported attacks on Kuki-Zo civilians and made allegations against NSCN-IM and NSCN-Eastern Flank elements, including alleged collusion with security personnel. These accusations represent the organisation’s position and have not been established as findings of an independent investigation.
Former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, reacting on social media, cited seven deaths and questioned the security situation in the state. He called for stronger action against armed groups, recovery of illegal weapons and tighter border security.
The differing casualty figures and competing allegations have added to concerns over the risk of further escalation.
Chief Minister meets PM Modi amid renewed unrest
On Saturday, Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi amid the fresh violence. The meeting was confirmed by the Prime Minister’s Office.
According to the state government’s account cited in reports, the Chief Minister briefed the Prime Minister on the security situation and efforts to restore peace and normalcy. The discussions also covered the resumption of bus services along the Imphal-Dimapur-Guwahati route and the movement of goods trucks on National Highways 37 and 2.
The Chief Minister had also met Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who reportedly accepted an invitation to visit the state later in October.
A fragile security situation
The latest violence comes amid continuing ethnic tensions in Manipur, where the broader conflict between Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities began on May 3, 2023. More recent clashes involving Kuki and Naga groups have added another layer of insecurity across several hill districts.
The supplied report cites more than 40 deaths in Kuki-Naga clashes since February 2026. The state continues to face challenges related to armed groups, illegal weapons, displacement and security along the porous Indo-Myanmar border.
With investigations underway and casualty figures still varying across reports, the immediate priority for authorities remains preventing further attacks, protecting civilians and restoring normalcy in affected areas.
The situation remains tense, with calls for restraint and coordinated action to prevent further loss of life.
