Kuki Woman Killed in Manipur’s Kamjong, Several Houses Torched Amid Fresh Violence
According to local reports, a group of women had gathered to protest the alleged arbitrary arrest and detention of Chassed village volunteers when the shooting occurred. Local accounts and statements by Kuki civil society organizations, including the Kuki Human Rights Forum (KHRF), alleged that personnel of the India Reserve Battalion (IRB) and state police opened fire during the protest. However, the circumstances surrounding the shooting and the identities of those responsible have not yet been independently established.
Fresh violence erupted in Chassad village in Manipur’s Kamjong district on Friday night, leaving a Kuki-Zo woman dead and several houses reportedly burnt amid continuing gunfire and rising tensions. The deceased has been identified as Domkhonei Touthang, wife of Lallenmang Touthang and mother of five children, including three sons and two daughters. She reportedly died from bullet injuries at around 9.40 pm on October 9.
Violence reportedly intensified overnight, with gunfire continuing into Saturday morning. Local sources also alleged that armed cadres belonging to the National Socialist Council of Nagalim-Isak Muivah (NSCN-IM) entered Chassad, overran defensive positions and set several houses ablaze, forcing residents to flee. Reports of firing and arson continued into the latest update. However, the extent of the damage and the exact number of houses affected remained unclear. The developments have heightened concerns over the safety of civilians in the conflict-affected region.
Amid reports of a breakdown in law and order, the Kamjong district administration imposed prohibitory restrictions around Chassad Police Gate Junction. In an order dated October 9, District Magistrate L. N. Kashung invoked Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023. The order prohibits the assembly of five or more people, the carrying of weapons and movement outside homes within a 400-metre radius of Chassad Police Gate Junction. The restrictions will remain in force until further notice. Security personnel, magistrates on duty, essential-service personnel and individuals holding special permits have been exempted from the restrictions. The district magistrate has also directed the Superintendent of Police to deploy adequate security personnel in the restricted area. Additional security forces have reportedly been sent to the region to contain the situation and prevent further violence.
The Kuki Human Rights Forum and other Kuki civil society organisations have condemned the killing and demanded the registration of a murder case and an immediate judicial inquiry into the alleged firing by IRB and state police personnel.They have also called for the immediate and unconditional release of the detained Chassad village volunteers and the deployment of neutral central security forces to protect vulnerable Kuki settlements. The allegations concerning the shooting and the reported involvement of security personnel have yet to be independently verified.
Separately, the Kuki-Zo Women’s Forum, Delhi and NCR, strongly condemned Domkhonei Touthang’s death and called for an impartial, time-bound investigation to establish accountability. The forum also demanded humanitarian, psychological and financial assistance for the bereaved family, particularly the deceased woman’s five children. Expressing concern over the safety of women and civilians amid the continuing conflict in Manipur, the organisation urged the authorities to take effective measures to protect vulnerable communities.
