Reported by Bit Irom
Imphal: A violent exchange of gunfire between armed groups from the Naga and Kuki communities erupted at Langka Naga village in Kangpokpi district on Saturday, lasting nearly four hours and leaving one Kuki militant dead and two others injured.
In response, Kuki civil society organizations (CSOs) in Kangpokpi have extended an ongoing shutdown and announced an indefinite economic blockade until the burial of the deceased, identified as a village volunteer.
The clash began around 8:45 am when suspected cadres of the Kuki National Front (KNF-P) and KNF(N) reportedly launched an attack on Langka Naga village, located along the border of Tamenglong and Kangpokpi districts on the Imphal-Tamei Road (IT Road).
Reports indicate that militants from Baleijang Kuki village advanced towards Langka Naga village and opened indiscriminate fire from the nearby Lasan hill range. Village guards from the Naga side retaliated, triggering a prolonged exchange of gunfire in which one assailant was killed and two others sustained injuries. The attackers later retreated, reportedly carrying away their casualties. Before withdrawing, they allegedly torched several huts and killed a dog and a buffalo belonging to villagers.
Following the incident, joint teams of state and central security forces reached the area, carried out search operations and assessed the situation. Authorities have since tightened security, as tensions continue to remain high in the region.
The latest incident comes days after a similar gunfight on June 9, 2026, near Lasan Kuki and Makui villages, which left a Kuki man, identified as Haogin Lhouvum, dead. After that incident, Kuki CSOs had imposed a shutdown in Kangpokpi, initially planned to be lifted after his burial at Phaijang on Saturday.
However, in the wake of the fresh clash at Langka Naga village, the CSOs decided to prolong the shutdown. Kuki CSOs Kangpokpi spokesperson Janghaolun Haokip stated that the indefinite economic blockade will continue until authorities ensure concrete measures for the safety and security of Kuki and Zo communities in vulnerable areas.