Imphal: Fresh incidents of intermittent gunfire between rival Naga and Kuki groups were reported in Manipur’s Ukhrul district on Saturday, underscoring the continuing volatility in the region following a series of recent flare-ups.
The latest tensions come in the wake of the recovery of an unexploded illuminating mortar typically used by armed forces in Sinakeithei Tangkhul Naga village, raising fresh concerns over the nature and scale of weaponry in circulation.
According to local reports, suspected Kuki militants opened fire at around 8.30 a.m. on workers in Sinakeithei village. The firing is believed to have originated from nearby Leplen village, where Kuki groups have reportedly established bunkers amid ongoing hostilities.
Meanwhile, the Kuki Civil Society Organisations (CSO) Working Committee in Ukhrul issued an appeal urging leaders and civil society groups within the Tangkhul Naga community to take immediate steps to prevent further escalation. The appeal follows a string of incidents reported across multiple locations in the district since March 19.
As per the statement, violence first erupted near Mullam village on Friday afternoon when armed individuals allegedly opened fire, injuring a local farmer around 3.15 p.m. The incident reportedly triggered retaliatory firing, setting off a chain of confrontations.
In a separate development around the same time, civilians engaged in electrical repair work near the Shongphel–Sinakeithei border areas were allegedly fired upon, sparking panic among residents.
Subsequently, around4 p.m., another incident was reported along the Leplen–Saikul road, where armed Tangkhul volunteers allegedly targeted civilian vehicles, leaving several commuters stranded.
The situation further deteriorated later in the evening. Around 7 p.m., armed Tangkhul volunteers reportedly opened fire towards Mongkot Chepu in the Litan-Sareikhong region using automatic weapons, leading to continued exchanges of gunfire and heightening tensions in the area.
The series of incidents points to a widening cycle of retaliation between the two sides, even as calls for restraint grow louder from civil society groups.