At least two men were killed and several others injured after suspected militants attacked civilians in Imphal East, raising fresh concerns over security amid ongoing ethnic tensions in Manipur.
Suspected Militants Attack Civilians
At least two Meitei men were killed and several others injured after suspected militants ambushed a group of around 15 civilians in Uyumpok Nongshum, Imphal East, early Monday. The victims reportedly belonged to nearby Meitei villages.
Injured Rushed to Imphal Hospitals
Eyewitnesses reported gunfire during the attack and described severe injuries among the victims. The injured were rushed to hospitals in Imphal for treatment. Reports have cited differing casualty figures, and the full extent of the attack remains unclear.
Meitei Groups Blame Kuki Militants
Meitei organizations have blamed suspected Kuki militants, including members of the Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA) and Kuki National Army (B)—also known as KNA(B). These allegations have not been independently established.
Security Concerns After Camp Removal
Some Meitei groups have linked the attack to the recent removal of a camp belonging to the United National Liberation Front (P), or UNLF(P). They claim the move may have left the area more vulnerable and have raised questions about security arrangements.
Kuki Organizations Announce Highway Shutdown
Meanwhile, Kuki organizations have called for a highway shutdown from October 18 to 22 to protest attacks on Kuki villages. The developments come amid continuing ethnic tensions in Manipur, which have persisted since 2023.
The latest violence has renewed concerns about civilian safety and the risk of further escalation. The circumstances surrounding the ambush, the identity of the attackers and the competing allegations require official confirmation.