Imphal: Fresh violence was reported from Manipur’s Ukhrul–Kamjong foothill belt on Tuesday, with an exchange of gunfire between Naga and Kuki volunteers leaving at least three people injured, according to local reports.
The firing was reported around 5.50 a.m. near Sharkaphung and Mongkot Chepu villages under the Litan police station area. Two Tangkhul Naga volunteers — Rinyui Ramror (41) and Raichan Lungleng (24), both residents of Sharkaphung village sustained bullet injuries to their legs and thighs, respectively, when suspected Kuki militants allegedly opened fire while they were taking shelter in a residence.
In a separate incident, a Kuki volunteer was injured after being hit in the back by a bullet in Mongkot Chepu village. All the injured were taken to nearby health centres for treatment.
The violence prompted the suspension of classes in schools in and around the affected areas, while security forces and police rushed to the region to assess the situation and prevent further escalation.
Tensions remained high across the foothill belt, with reports of firing from multiple locations, including areas along the Chassad–Kamjong axis and near Shangkai, a day after a woman was injured in alleged firing in Mongkot Chepu.
According to a statement issued by the Central Working Committee of the Tangkhul Naga Foothills Organisation (TNFO), several Naga-inhabited villages, including Kamjong, Sharkaphung and Thoyee, were targeted. The organisation alleged the involvement of Kuki militants operating under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) framework and expressed concern over the reported use of sophisticated weapons.
The TNFO termed the incidents a serious threat to peace and stability in the region and called for immediate intervention by the state government, including enhanced deployment of security personnel in vulnerable areas. It also reiterated demands for strengthening security infrastructure, including the upgradation of Litan police station.
On Monday, the Kuki CSO Working Committee had condemned a separate firing incident in Mongkot Chepu, alleging that civilians engaged in farming activities were targeted.
There has been no official confirmation from security agencies regarding the latest incidents. The recurring violence along the National Highway-202 corridor continues to underline the fragile security situation in the region, where competing claims and sporadic clashes have hampered efforts to restore normalcy.