Imphal, April 24: Violence erupted in Ukhrul district of Manipur on Friday, resulting in the deaths of at least three individuals and leaving several others injured. The clashes involved armed groups from the Naga and Kuki tribal communities.
According to police officials, two bodies were recovered near Mullam village, a location severely affected by the violence. Ukhrul district borders Nagaland and is also adjacent to the international border with Myanmar, primarily populated by the Tangkhul Naga community.
The deceased have been identified as L. Sitlhou and P. Haolai, both found in camouflage attire with gunshot wounds on their bodies.
Heavy gunfire was reported among armed militants in Mullam village during the morning hours. Numerous homes in the hilly village were also set ablaze amid the violence.
The Kuki Women Organization for Human Rights condemned the cowardly attacks by the Tangkhul Naga group on Kuki settlements in Mullam and Shongphal villages. The organization claimed that the assault was premeditated, targeting unarmed individuals while they slept.
The attackers allegedly set fire to two homes, injuring several people, including women and children, and killing two Kuki volunteers who were securing the village.
In response, the organization stated that villagers exercised their legitimate right to self-defense, returning fire with licensed weapons and killing one assailant.
“This is not an isolated incident. It is part of a disturbing pattern of ongoing attacks by Tangkhul groups against the Kuki community, representing a serious violation of the right to life and peace,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, the Tangkhul Naga Long reported that on the same day, a Kuki militant killed Naga Village Guard Hoshokmi Jamang (29) in Sinakathy village, with his body recovered later.
The Naga Village Guard denied allegations that Tangkhul Naga volunteers attacked Mullam village. They stated that their personnel were patrolling between Sinakathy and Sirarakhong, near Mullam, due to repeated attacks on Sinakathy village and suspicious activities by Kuki armed groups operating under a “Suspension of Operations” agreement.
During the patrol, Naga Village Guard members were reportedly fired upon by Kuki militants, resulting in the immediate death of Hoshokmi Jamang and serious injuries to four other volunteers.
The Naga Village Guard claimed that their personnel responded in self-defense and later returned to their camp to secure the area.
Since February of this year, Ukhrul district has witnessed a series of violent incidents, making it one of the most sensitive areas in the state.
The United Naga Council has called for a shutdown in all Naga-dominated areas of the state starting midnight on April 19. This strike was organized in protest against the alleged murders of two Naga civilians by Kuki militants, one of whom was a retired Indian Army soldier.
In another statement, the Global Naga Forum condemned the killings of two Tangkhul Naga civilians on National Highway-2 in Ukhrul district, attributing responsibility to Kuki militants.
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My name is Bhupendra Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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