Fresh ethnic violence has erupted in Manipur, leaving five men from the Kuki community dead in two separate incidents. The killings, reported on November 1, have intensified tensions between the Kuki and Naga communities in the northeastern state, which has witnessed repeated episodes of ethnic conflict.
Three Kuki Men Killed in Noney District
The first incident took place on Saturday in Kekru Naga village under the Nungba subdivision of Noney district. According to the police, three Kuki men were killed during an exchange of gunfire between unidentified armed groups.
The deceased were identified as Thanglensang Singson, Thangkhosei Haokip and Lamminsang Kipgen. Kuki civil organisations described the victims as village volunteers.
Following the incident, security forces increased their presence in the area to prevent further violence. Police also initiated necessary security measures as tensions continued to rise.
Bodies of Two Missing Youths Recovered
In a separate incident, the bodies of two Kuki youths who had gone missing earlier in the week were recovered on Sunday morning.
The two men had reportedly disappeared from Taphou Kuki village on October 28. Their bodies were recovered in Senapati district during a search operation conducted by joint security teams. The bodies were subsequently taken to Kangpokpi.
Their disappearance had triggered protests and a 48-hour shutdown called by the Committee on Tribal Unity in Kangpokpi, demanding their safe release.
Kuki Organisation Accuses Naga Armed Groups
The Kuki Inpi Manipur, an apex organisation representing the Kuki community, accused Naga armed groups of being responsible for the killings in Noney district. However, police have not officially identified those responsible.
The latest incidents come amid growing Kuki-Naga tensions, which have witnessed several episodes of violence, abductions and retaliatory attacks since February 2026.
Manipur Faces Another Security Challenge
The fresh killings have added to Manipur’s wider ethnic conflict, which began in May 2023 between the Kuki and Meitei communities. More than 300 people have lost their lives, while over 60,000 have been displaced.
With five more deaths reported in separate incidents, security concerns have once again intensified across the state. Authorities continue to monitor the situation as efforts to prevent further clashes remain underway.