Manipur Home Minister Vows Firm Action After Four Killed in Separate Attacks

Konthoujam Govindas Singh, Home Minister of Manipur, said his government would not permit any act of violence to derail the state’s journey toward peace, following the deaths of four people in two separate attacks.

Attack Details

Two of the victims, including a woman, were killed at Tollen Kuki village under Kaimai Police Station in Tamenglong district. Two others, also including a woman, were shot dead at Longpi village under Nungba Police Station in Noney district, according to police officials. All four victims were members of the Kuki tribal community.

Singh condemned the killings and expressed deep anguish over the loss of innocent lives. He said those responsible would face the full weight of the law.

“I have directed the concerned authorities to take all necessary measures to ascertain the facts, identify those responsible and ensure that the law takes its course without fear or favour,” Singh said in a statement. “Let there be no doubt: those responsible for this violence will be pursued in accordance with law and held accountable. At this critical juncture, no act of violence will be allowed to derail Manipur’s path towards peace and normalcy.”

Security forces launched a combing operation immediately after the attacks to track down the perpetrators.

Government Response

Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh also condemned the killings, calling them cowardly acts with no place in society.

Several organisations, including MLAs from Kuki and Naga communities, condemned the Tollen attack. The Kaimai Village Authority described it as a deliberate attempt to create discord between communities.

Meanwhile, three to four houses belonging to Rongmei Naga families were reportedly set on fire at Khedaghar under Jiribam Police Station late Sunday. The incident occurred roughly 12 kilometres south of the police station. No casualties were reported. Sources said the families had vacated the houses several weeks earlier amid fears of retaliation following rising tensions between Kuki and Naga communities.

Security forces moved to the area to assess the situation and reinforce security arrangements. Forces have been placed on high alert with Quick Action Teams ready for immediate deployment.

Kuki-Zo Council Statement

The Kuki-Zo Council, the community’s apex body, strongly condemned the killings and alleged Naga armed groups were responsible. KZC spokesperson Ginza Vualzong said the attacks demonstrated continued violence against Kuki-Zo civilians.

“The double standards of Naga leaders in Manipur and the brutality of Naga armed groups can no longer be ignored,” Vualzong said. “While Naga leaders loudly demand justice for six Naga deaths, they remain silent over the 22 Kuki-Zo civilians, including women and children, reportedly killed by Naga armed groups since the beginning of 2026.”

The council also expressed concern over reports alleging involvement of NSCN-IM cadres operating through or alongside ZUF-K and Naga Village Guards. The statement called on the Government of India to act decisively.

“NSCN-IM must not be allowed to operate with impunity in Manipur, particularly in the absence of a ceasefire agreement covering the state,” the KZC statement said. “Continued armed-group activity threatens civilians and risks pushing Manipur towards another full-scale conflict.”