Three Kuki Youths Killed in Clash Between Two Armed Groups in Manipur; Meitei and Naga Organisations Hold Protest Rally
Manipur’s Noney district has witnessed another deadly clash, with three Kuki youths killed in an exchange of gunfire between two armed groups on Saturday morning. The incident took place in Kekru Naga village. Police have recovered firearms, ammunition, drones and several bombs from the site of the clash.
The deceased have been identified as Thanglensang Singn, Thangkhosai Haokip and Laminsang Kipgen. All three were residents of Churachandpur district.
According to the Kuki organisation, Kuki Inpi Manipur, the three youths were village guards and were allegedly killed by members of an armed Naga group. However, police have stated that the deaths occurred during a direct confrontation between two armed groups.
Police said that exchanges of gunfire had been reported in the area since October 29. Central security forces have now been deployed in the region to maintain law and order and prevent further violence.
Meanwhile, Kuki Inpi Manipur has alleged that the administration had been informed in advance about security concerns in the area but failed to take appropriate action. The organisation claimed that the villagers were left with no option but to take up arms and guard their locality to protect themselves. Local residents have also blamed the Manipur government and the administration for their alleged failure to address the security situation.
Meanwhile, Meitei and Naga organisations jointly organised a major protest rally in Imphal on the same day. The gathering is being described as one of the largest public demonstrations in Manipur since the outbreak of ethnic violence in 2023.
The protest was triggered by the recent killing of three Meitei youths in a militant attack, which has sparked widespread anger among sections of the population.
The rally began at Tiddim Ground and culminated at the THAU ground in Imphal West.
During the demonstration, protesters urged the Central Government to put an end to what they described as a ‘proxy war’ and ‘narco-terrorism’ in the state. They also demanded the withdrawal of Assam Rifles from the Myanmar border and the deployment of a completely neutral security force in the region.
Other demands raised during the rally included the implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Manipur and the rehabilitation and resettlement of people displaced by the ongoing ethnic conflict.
Protesters also demanded the resignation of the husband of Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen, accusing him of involvement in the killing of civilians.
