Manipur Tense as Violence Claims Nine Lives; CM Appeals for Peace

The situation in Manipur's violence-hit hill districts remains tense, with the death toll from recent clashes between two communities rising to nine. Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh has appealed for peace and restraint, instructing authorities to control the situation and ensure citizen safety. The fresh killings were reported across Kamjong, Ukhrul, and Kangpokpi districts on Friday and Saturday, exacerbating the already volatile environment.

The latest wave of violence began on Friday night with the killing of a 22-year-old mother of five in Kuki-dominated Chassad village, Kamjong district, by unknown assailants. This incident triggered an exchange of fire between Kuki and Naga armed groups, which persisted through Saturday morning, resulting in the death of a 42-year-old man and the torching of 10 houses. Prohibitory orders under Section 162 of the BNSS have since been imposed in Chassad village to prevent further escalation.

Following the Chassad incident, additional fatalities were reported. Two Naga village guards, M Daimai and R Gangmei, along with Ringkangmai, were killed on Saturday when suspected militants attacked Tapon and Makui villages in Kangpokpi district. A Naga civil society organization, Working Committee JTC Manipur, claimed that 52-year-old villager Ajinbou R was beheaded, demanding the return of his severed head for a dignified burial. In Ningchou village, a Tangkhul Naga settlement near the India-Myanmar border in Kamjong district, suspected militants opened fire on Saturday, killing 35-year-old Ngachanso Ningshen and 48-year-old Leishishan Leishadang, before fleeing towards Myanmar. Separately, in Ukhrul, 40-year-old Sandeep Rai was killed near Chepu Yaolen village when his car was targeted by suspected militants on Saturday.

Additional security forces have been dispatched to the severely affected Kangpokpi and Kamjong districts. This recent violence adds to a grim tally; over 40 people have been killed and dozens of houses torched in clashes between Kuki and Naga tribes since February this year. The state had previously experienced ethnic violence between Imphal Valley-based Meiteis and adjoining hills-based Kukis, leading to over 300 deaths, 49 missing persons, and thousands displaced.

What to watch: The effectiveness of increased security measures and appeals for peace in de-escalating the ongoing inter-community violence.

Editor's note: The article accurately summarizes the reporting on the Manipur violence, effectively synthesizing the provided facts and casualty figures.