Manipur: Fresh Firing in Ukhrul and Kangpokpi Leave Two Civilians Critical
Two separate firing incidents along the Ukhrul–Kangpokpi border in Manipur have left two civilians critically injured, raising concerns over renewed tensions.
IMPHAL- Tensions escalated once again along the volatile border between Ukhrul and Kangpokpi districts in Manipur on Saturday, as two separate firing incidents targeted civilians, leaving two individuals — including a woman — in critical condition.
According to reports from local civil society organizations, including the Ihang-Bungpi Working Committee and the Kuki CSO Working Committee (Ukhrul), unidentified gunmen — suspected to be Tangkhul Naga militants — opened fire in the incidents.
The first occurred in the early hours at Shangkai village, while the more severe attack took place around 9:30 a.m. along the Leplen–Tingpibung road in Kangpokpi district, bordering Sinakeithel village in Ukhrul.
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In the latter incident, an auto-rickshaw carrying passengers between Tingpibung and Leplen villages came under automatic gunfire from the direction of Sinakeithel. The vehicle was struck while in motion, causing it to crash.
Two civilians were injured, one sustained a gunshot wound to the waist (a woman), and both are reported to be in critical condition. They have been shifted to a local hospital for urgent medical treatment, with further updates awaited from authorities.
The attacks have sparked widespread outrage and fear among residents in the fringe areas, which have long been flashpoints amid ethnic tensions between Kuki-Zo and Tangkhul Naga communities.
Civil society groups have condemned the incidents as deliberate attempts to terrorize civilians and have accused security forces of inaction, demanding immediate intervention to restore peace and protect innocent lives.
This latest flare-up follows a pattern of sporadic violence in the region, including earlier clashes in March involving multiple locations in Ukhrul such as Litan Sareikhong, Sinakeithel, and adjoining villages.
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Officials have placed security forces on high alert, but no immediate casualties from security operations or arrests have been confirmed in connection with today’s events.
The ongoing ethnic strife in Manipur, now entering its third year in various forms, continues to disrupt normal life in the hill districts. Community leaders from both sides have called for restraint, dialogue, and a thorough investigation to prevent further escalation.
Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security personnel deployed in the area. More details are expected as investigations progress.
