Manipur: Woman Killed in Crossfire Amid Escalating Ethnic Tensions

CHURACHANDPUR– A fresh wave of violence in Manipur claimed the life of Hoikholhing Haokip, an elderly Kuki-Zo woman and wife of the village chief of Langchingmanbi in Churachandpur district, on Thursday, June 19, 2025.

The incident occurred during a crossfire between security forces and unidentified armed men in the Phubala area along the Bishnupur-Churachandpur border, a region marked by ongoing ethnic tensions between the Meitei and Kuki communities.

The violence began around 3:30 PM when armed assailants, reportedly positioned in the surrounding hills, opened fire on farmers working in the fields of Phubala, a low-lying agricultural village in Bishnupur district.

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Ningthoujam Biren, a 60-year-old Meitei farmer, was shot in the left arm and was rushed to Bishnupur District Hospital, where he was reported to be stable. Biren recounted hearing five gunshots during the attack.

In response, security forces launched a search operation in nearby Chingphei and Langchingmanbi villages. During this operation, an exchange of fire with suspected militants resulted in Hoikholhing Haokip being fatally struck by a stray bullet. Manipur police described the incident as a crossfire, stating that security forces retaliated after coming under attack from unknown armed men.

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However, the Kuki Women’s Organisation for Human Rights (KWOHR) and local Kuki groups condemned the killing, alleging it was a targeted act by Meitei militants or state forces, accusing them of violating the government-declared buffer zone meant to prevent clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities.

The KWOHR demanded the immediate arrest of those responsible, strict enforcement of the buffer zone, deployment of neutral Central forces, and a judicial inquiry into the incident and recent buffer zone violations.

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The killing has sparked outrage, with the Kuki Students’ Organisation announcing protests and an indefinite shutdown in Churachandpur. Manipur police have registered cases and are continuing search operations to apprehend those responsible, stating that security arrangements for farmers in foothill areas will be reviewed to prevent further incidents.

The ethnic unrest, ongoing since May 2023, continues to fuel violence and distrust in the region.