IMPHAL | Incidents reported in Tamenglong and Kangpokpi as security forces investigate amid renewed tensions in Naga-Kuki areas

Fresh violence was reported in Manipur’s hill districts on Wednesday, with a 36-year-old electricity lineman shot dead while repairing a power line in Tamenglong district and at least 24 houses allegedly set ablaze in two Naga villages in Kangpokpi district.

The first incident was reported at around 4 am at Lasan village under Tamei police station in Tamenglong, officials said. The victim was identified as Paojangam Chongloi of Wakotphai village. Chongloi was reportedly working on a 33 KV power line when he was shot. A village authority has approached the police seeking registration of a Zero FIR and an investigation into the killing.

The complaint alleged that cadres of NSCN-IM, along with volunteers from Langka village, were involved in the attack. The allegation has not been independently established and the identity of those responsible remains under investigation.

The officer-in-charge of Tamei police station said his team could not immediately reach the location. Kangpokpi police were subsequently requested to conduct a spot investigation and take necessary legal action.

Two Naga villages reportedly attacked

Hours after the killing, reports emerged of attacks and arson in two Naga villages in Kangpokpi district. Houses in Makui Khuman and Makui Thanamba/Chamruioiu villages, under Chalwa police station, were reportedly set ablaze at around 5 am. The settlements are located about 15 km northeast of the police station.

A resident of Makui Khuman, speaking on condition of anonymity, alleged that armed men attacked the two villages and set houses on fire. The two villages are around 2-3 km apart and had approximately 12 households each, according to the resident.

The residents had reportedly been displaced earlier following clashes between Kuki and Naga groups and were staying at Makui Khunjao, around 12 km away. “When we reached our village, all the houses of both villages, 24 in total, had been reduced to ashes,” the resident said.

The resident also claimed that security personnel were not deployed in the villages when the incident took place. The Makui Village Authority has sought intervention from the Centre and the Manipur government, alleging that several Naga villages along the Kangpokpi-Senapati border came under attack and arson early Wednesday.

It has sought immediate security deployment, assessment of the damage and rehabilitation for affected families. Reports of attacks and arson have also emerged from other Naga settlements along the Noney-Kangpokpi-Senapati belt. The extent of the damage is still being assessed.

Fresh attacks add to tensions

The latest incidents come days after the alleged killing of 17-year-old Naga boy Nk Wiphenbou in an ambush in Tamenglong district on Monday. According to reports, the teenager was travelling towards Tamei to purchase essential items when he was attacked.

The incidents have added to tensions between Naga and Kuki communities in parts of Tamenglong, Kangpokpi and adjoining hill districts. Separately, Kuki community representatives have condemned the killing of Chongloi and called for an impartial investigation. The Kuki Civic Action Committee alleged that the incident was part of a series of attacks affecting settlements along the Imphal-Tamenglong road.

The identities and affiliations of those responsible for the latest attacks have not been independently established. Police and security agencies are investigating the incidents as authorities monitor the situation in the affected areas.