2 Women Killed In Fresh Attack On Kuki Settlement In Manipur’s Tamenglong

Two women were killed in a small Kuki settlement in Manipur’s Tamenglong district, two days after four Kuki-Zo people were shot dead by unidentified attackers.

According to sources, the incident took place on Tuesday at around 3 p.m. in Leijangphai, near Muktokhal. The deceased were Kimjalhing (Kimboi) Singson, 30, the daughter of Paosei Singson, and Phalneichong (Chonga) Sitlhou, 76, wife of the late Seidou Sitlhou.

According to accounts, the two women were attacked by unidentified armed men while carrying out their daily activities. Singson had recently returned home to help her parents with farming after completing her nursing programme, according to reports.

A few kutcha farmhouses were also reportedly set on fire, according to officials who cited local residents. Other villagers were reportedly unaccounted for following the incident.

Tuesday’s incident has further heightened tensions between communities in the area, which has already been affected by the wider ethnic violence in Manipur.

Three Attacks Reported In Jiribam-Tamenglong Region

Three attacks have been reported in the Jiribam-Tamenglong region this week. Two separate attacks on the Kuki settlements of Longpi and Tollen in the Tamenglong area on Sunday left four people dead, including two women, and several others injured.

Kuki-Zo Council Calls For Action, Naga Body Urges Restraint

The attacks have been condemned by the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), which described them as a concerning trend. It stated, “The ongoing targeting of civilians raises concerns about attempts to terrorise and drive Kuki-Zo communities from their settlements.”

The council also called on the Centre and the Manipur government to protect vulnerable populations, prosecute those responsible and take decisive legal action against armed organisations that target civilians.

The council has also issued a directive asking Kuki-Zo civil society organisations to refrain from burying the victims, whom it claims were killed by a rival Naga group, until further notice.

“As of now, no Kuki-Zo killed in Manipur by armed Naga groups would be interred. Instead, the mortal remains of each such victim will be kept at the nearest cold storage facility until further directives are issued by the Kuki-Zo Council,” the statement said.

The Naga Village Authority of the nearby Kaimai community described the attackers as an unidentified group following Sunday’s incident and expressed concern that the attacks could lead to mistrust and conflict among local communities. It urged everyone to exercise restraint and asked civil society organisations and community leaders to promote harmony and understanding.

Jiribam and Tamenglong have disputed control over Leijangphai village.