Five Killed in Renewed Ethnic Violence in India’s Manipur State

NEW DELHI: Five individuals lost their lives in two separate incidents of ethnic violence in India’s northeastern state of Manipur, as tensions flare once again in the conflict-ridden region. Police reported that three men from the Kuki tribal group were killed during an exchange of gunfire with unidentified armed assailants in Noney district on Saturday.

In a related incident, the bodies of two other Kuki men, who had been reported missing earlier in the week, were discovered in Kangpokpi district on Sunday morning following a search operation by security forces. A prominent Kuki tribal organization has accused Naga separatist groups of orchestrating these attacks, labeling them as a “direct unprovoked assault” on their community.

The violence coincides with widespread protests across the state, particularly in the capital Imphal, where hundreds of thousands are demanding the dissolution of a ceasefire agreement between Kuki armed factions and the Indian government. The longstanding rivalry between the predominantly Christian Kuki and Naga tribes over territorial claims has historically fueled conflict in this remote region.

Authorities are expected to intensify security measures in response to the escalating violence, while community leaders call for dialogue to address the underlying issues. Investigations into the recent killings are underway, with hopes that renewed discussions may help to quell the unrest.