Imphal, April 24 -- Ethnic violence in Ukhrul district of Manipur escalated on Friday, with fresh killings pushing the death toll to five amid continuing tensions between Kuki and Naga groups since April 18.

According to official sources, two village volunteers belonging to the Kuki community were killed in suspected militant attacks at Mullam and Shongphal villages in the district. The bodies, bearing bullet injuries, were recovered during a security operation conducted around 5 p.m. Two houses were also found torched in the affected areas.

In a separate incident earlier in the day, a Tangkhul Naga man identified as Horshokmi Jamang (29), a Village Guard from Chatric Khullen village in Kamjong district, was shot dead at Sinakeithei vil...