Fresh Violence in Manipur Leaves Nine Dead, CM Appeals for Peace
Fresh violence in Manipur’s hill districts has claimed at least nine lives and left around 14 houses burnt, intensifying tensions between Kuki and Naga communities. The incidents were reported across Kamjong, Kangpokpi and Ukhrul districts on October 9 and 10, prompting security reinforcements and appeals for peace from the state government.
According to reports, the violence involved shootings, exchanges of fire, alleged attacks on village guards and arson. The situation remained tense as authorities moved to prevent further escalation.
One of the initial incidents occurred on Friday night in Chassad village in Kamjong district, where a 42-year-old Kuki woman, Domkhonei Touthang, was reportedly killed during an exchange of fire involving security personnel and armed individuals. The incident occurred during an operation to dismantle alleged illegal bunkers near Chassad police station, according to media reports.
Further incidents were reported in Kamjong and Kangpokpi, where Naga village guards and other individuals were killed in separate attacks. In Ukhrul district, a man was reportedly shot dead while travelling in his car. At least 14 houses belonging to members of the Kuki and Naga communities were reported burnt. Investigations into the separate incidents were underway, and responsibility for some of the attacks had not been officially established.
Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh condemned the killings of civilians and appealed to all communities to exercise restraint. In a public statement, he said he had instructed the authorities concerned to take immediate and effective measures to restore peace and order and ensure the safety of citizens. He also urged communities to prioritise dialogue, harmony and peaceful coexistence.
Additional security forces were deployed in the affected areas, particularly in Kamjong and Kangpokpi districts. Authorities also imposed prohibitory restrictions around Chassad police station to prevent further violence. Meanwhile, the Committee on Tribal Unity announced a shutdown in Kangpokpi district following the reported attacks.
The developments also drew attention at the national level. The Indian Express reported that Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured the Chief Minister of the Centre’s support for restoring peace during their meeting in New Delhi.
The latest incidents highlight the continuing security challenges in Manipur, where violence between Kuki and Naga groups has added to the wider crisis that began in May 2023. Protecting civilians, investigating the killings, preventing retaliatory attacks and facilitating dialogue between affected communities remain critical priorities.
The immediate challenge for the state government is to restore security, protect vulnerable villages and prevent further loss of life while ensuring that those responsible for the attacks are identified through a lawful investigation.
According to reports, the violence involved shootings, exchanges of fire, alleged attacks on village guards and arson. The situation remained tense as authorities moved to prevent further escalation.
One of the initial incidents occurred on Friday night in Chassad village in Kamjong district, where a 42-year-old Kuki woman, Domkhonei Touthang, was reportedly killed during an exchange of fire involving security personnel and armed individuals. The incident occurred during an operation to dismantle alleged illegal bunkers near Chassad police station, according to media reports.
Further incidents were reported in Kamjong and Kangpokpi, where Naga village guards and other individuals were killed in separate attacks. In Ukhrul district, a man was reportedly shot dead while travelling in his car. At least 14 houses belonging to members of the Kuki and Naga communities were reported burnt. Investigations into the separate incidents were underway, and responsibility for some of the attacks had not been officially established.
Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh condemned the killings of civilians and appealed to all communities to exercise restraint. In a public statement, he said he had instructed the authorities concerned to take immediate and effective measures to restore peace and order and ensure the safety of citizens. He also urged communities to prioritise dialogue, harmony and peaceful coexistence.
Additional security forces were deployed in the affected areas, particularly in Kamjong and Kangpokpi districts. Authorities also imposed prohibitory restrictions around Chassad police station to prevent further violence. Meanwhile, the Committee on Tribal Unity announced a shutdown in Kangpokpi district following the reported attacks.
The developments also drew attention at the national level. The Indian Express reported that Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured the Chief Minister of the Centre’s support for restoring peace during their meeting in New Delhi.
The latest incidents highlight the continuing security challenges in Manipur, where violence between Kuki and Naga groups has added to the wider crisis that began in May 2023. Protecting civilians, investigating the killings, preventing retaliatory attacks and facilitating dialogue between affected communities remain critical priorities.
The immediate challenge for the state government is to restore security, protect vulnerable villages and prevent further loss of life while ensuring that those responsible for the attacks are identified through a lawful investigation.
