Daijiworld Media Network – Guwahati

Guwahati, Apr 24: Fresh violence between Kuki and Tangkhul Naga groups in Manipur’s Ukhrul district claimed three lives on Friday, while several others, including civilians, were reported injured.

Two of those killed were from the Kuki community, while the third was a Tangkhul Naga village volunteer, amid conflicting claims from both sides over how the violence erupted.

The Kuki Organisation for Human Rights Trust alleged armed Tangkhul Naga men launched an early morning attack on Mullam and Shongphal Kuki villages while residents were asleep.

In a statement, the organisation claimed two Kuki village volunteers were killed, several people including women and children were injured, and two houses were set on fire.

It further alleged villagers responded in self-defence using licenced hunting arms and one of the attackers was killed in the exchange.

However, the Naga Village Guard, Central Command rejected the allegation that Tangkhul Naga volunteers initiated the attack, claiming its personnel were on patrol duty following repeated attacks on Sinakeithei village and reports of movement by Kuki armed cadres operating under the Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement.

According to the Naga group, Kuki armed cadres opened fire on the patrol team, killing a 29-year-old Naga volunteer and injuring four others, triggering retaliatory firing.

The Working Committee of Tangkhul Naga Long also alleged the Naga patrol was ambushed by Kuki rebels while moving between Sirakhong and Sinakeithei.

The latest violence comes amid a series of recent clashes in parts of Ukhrul district involving armed groups from both communities, resulting in deaths and destruction of homes.

Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh had recently visited villages in the district in a bid to ease tensions and restore confidence between the Kuki and Tangkhul Naga communities, but fresh violence has continued despite the outreach efforts.