Twin Clashes in Manipur’s Ukhrul Leave Three Dead

Three persons were killed in two separate incidents of firing between armed groups belonging to rival tribal communities in Manipur’s Ukhrul district on Friday, officials said, underscoring the continuing tensions in the hill region.

In the first incident, a heavy exchange of fire broke out between armed militants near Mullam village in the Tangkhul Naga-majority Ukhrul district around 5.30 am. Security forces later recovered two bodies from the area at around 11.25 am. The deceased were identified as L Sitlhou and P Haolai, and were found in camouflage outfits with bullet injuries, officials added. Some outlying houses in Mullam village were also set ablaze during the violence.

Reacting to the incident, the Kuki Organisation for Human Rights Trust condemned the killing of what it described as “two village volunteers” and the burning of houses in Mullam and Songphal villages. The organisation demanded immediate registration of an FIR and a time-bound investigation.

In a separate incident earlier in the day, a 29-year-old man, identified as H Jamang from Chatric Khullen in neighbouring Kamjong district, was killed on the spot in an ambush by armed militants near Sinakeithei village in Ukhrul district. Officials said the body has been recovered.

The Tangkhul Naga Long expressed “profound sadness” over Jamang’s killing. In a statement, it alleged that the attack was carried out by armed Kuki cadres, claiming that Naga village guards on patrol near Sirarakhong were ambushed.

Tension has been simmering in Ukhrul and adjoining Kamjong districts following the killing of two Tangkhul Naga civilians, including a retired Army personnel, in an ambush on a civilian convoy at TM Kasom on April 18. While Naga groups have blamed Kuki militants for the attack, Kuki organisations have denied any involvement.

The latest incidents highlight the fragile security situation in Manipur’s hill districts, where mistrust, competing claims, and recurring violence between Tangkhul Naga and Kuki groups continue to pose challenges to peace and stability.