New Delhi, Sept. 16 -- At least five houses were set on fire after suspected Kuki militants attacked Chawangkining, a Naga village in Manipur's Kangpokpi district, late Tuesday night, triggering an exchange of gunfire with security forces. The incident is the latest in a series of violent attacks in the state. The attack reportedly began during the night, when armed men targeted the village. The ensuing gunfight continued for several hours, with Central Reserve Police Force personnel responding to the attackers. The situation remained tense in the area following the exchange of fire.
The latest incident comes amid a fresh escalation of violence in Manipur. At least six people have been killed in separate attacks across the state over the past four days, further increasing tensions between communities in the affected hill districts. The attack on Chawangkining followed violence in other parts of Manipur, including the killing of two Kuki-Zo women in Tamenglong district on Tuesday. The women were reportedly attacked while working at their farms, and several farmhouses were also set ablaze in the incident. Security forces have maintained a presence in the affected areas and have been carrying out operations to prevent further attacks. Authorities are also assessing the circumstances surrounding the latest incident and the identities of those involved.
The violence comes against the backdrop of continuing ethnic tensions in Manipur, where sporadic attacks, arson and armed clashes have continued despite security deployments. Recent attacks on both Kuki-Zo and Naga settlements have raised concerns about a widening cycle of retaliatory violence in the state. No independent confirmation was immediately available regarding the identity or affiliation of the attackers, and the description of them as suspected Kuki militants remains an allegation pending investigation.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.