Kuki and Naga groups trade allegations; villagers remain indoors amid fear of escalation
Imphal: Gunfire was reported from Sinakeithei village in Ukhrul, triggering fresh concerns over the fragile security situation in the state. Residents said the firing began on Thursday afternoon and continued intermittently into the next morning, forcing people to stay indoors.
According to the village authority secretary, suspected members linked to the Kuki community allegedly opened fire using automatic weapons from multiple directions around 3:20 pm on Thursday. This reportedly led to retaliatory firing by volunteers from the Tangkhul Naga community, resulting in an exchange of gunfire that lasted for over an hour.
Both sides have accused each other of initiating the attack. Firing resumed sporadically on Friday morning, heightening fears of further escalation in the area.
No casualties or injuries have been reported so far. However, the incident has caused panic in regions where settlements of the two communities lie in close proximity. Villagers reported remaining confined to their homes as a precaution.
Authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the incident. Meanwhile, unverified local reports claimed that armed individuals were seen moving closer to residential areas. Videos circulating on social media show both groups accusing each other of setting up defensive positions.
The latest incident underscores the continuing volatility in Manipur, recalling past ethnic conflicts, including the 1990s Kuki-Naga clashes and the more recent 2023 violence in the state.
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