Reported by Bit Irom
Imphal: Intermittent exchange of gunfire between warring Naga and Kuki groups was reported on Thursday morning, after four Naga individuals sustained injuries in Manipur’s Ukhrul district on Wednesday, reports said.
Four Naga Village Guards (NVG) were injured in a fresh attack by suspected Kuki militants in the forested areas of Ringui village in Ukhrul district at around 10:30 AM on Wednesday.
The injured persons have been identified as Makanmi (35, sustained a bullet injury to the right chest), M. Kashung (42, hit in the calf), T. Thingshung (sustained a bullet injury on the buttock), and H. Ngalung (hit on the ankle).
The injured were immediately rushed to Ukhrul District Hospital for treatment, where three of them, M. Kashung, T. Thingshung, and H. Ngalung, were reported to be in serious condition.
Intermittent gunfire also occurred at Yaoden and New Heaven under the jurisdiction of Litan police station in the same district at around 6 AM on Thursday.
No casualties were reported in the renewed firing, reports said, adding that massive combing operations have been launched by central and state security forces.
Since April 7, the state has witnessed 11 killings, including two children. The deaths have been reported from Bishnupur district, a Meitei-dominated area, and Ukhrul, where a fresh conflict between Tangkhul Nagas and Kukis has emerged.
Meanwhile, the Manipur Chief Minister posted on his Facebook page, “Called on by the Special DG, NE Zone, CRPF, at the Secretariat.”
He said, “The Central Reserve Police Force continues to play a crucial role in maintaining law and order across areas affected by unrest, as well as in other vulnerable regions of the state. The government places full confidence in their continued commitment, professionalism, and dedicated service towards ensuring peace and stability.”
Meanwhile, Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee leader Keisham Meghachandra visited RIMS Hospital on Thursday and provided financial assistance to the Naga individuals injured in the violence that erupted in Ukhrul district.
Notably, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan reviewed the security situation in Manipur, which has been affected by ethnic violence since May 2023.
Officials stated that issues flagged at the meeting included the security vacuum created by the withdrawal of around 8,500 Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) for deployment during the West Bengal elections, frequent disruptions and blockades by women’s groups, and the emergence of new areas of conflict between Kuki and Naga communities.