New Delhi, August 18, 2023: In an unfortunate escalation of the ongoing conflict in Manipur, three individuals lost their lives early on Friday morning in a relatively peaceful village within the Tangkhul Naga-dominated region of Ukhrul. The incident occurred at around 4:30 am in the Kuki village of Thowai Kuki, falling under the jurisdiction of Ukhrul police.
The victims were identified as Thangkhokai Haokip, Jamkhogin Haokip, and Hollenson Baite, who were village guards entrusted with the safety of their community.
Ukhrul SP Ningshem Vashum confirmed that the incident was rooted in the persisting ethnic tensions in the state. Armed assailants entered the village, targeting the guards who were subsequently shot. Vashum clarified, “The firing has stopped in the area, and security forces comprising the Army and police have moved into the area.”
Due to the remote location of the village, the closest security post was situated approximately 3 km away, leaving the guards without immediate assistance during the attack. Thowai Kuki, situated within the Kamjong revenue district, remains under the administrative purview of Ukhrul police.
While Ukhrul itself had enjoyed relative calm amid the clashes between the Meitei and Kuki-Zomi communities, other districts, particularly Bishnupur, Imphal West, Imphal East, Kakching, Churachandpur, and Kangpokpi, have been significantly affected by the violence since May 3.
While the Naga community has chosen to remain distant from the ongoing turmoil, Naga MLAs and civil society leaders underscored the importance of their consultation in any potential political resolution. They emphasized that any administrative changes in Kuki-Zomi territories should not infringe upon Naga territories.
