Imphal, November 1, 2026: Three Kuki-Zo men were killed in an exchange of fire with unidentified armed groups at Kekru Naga village in Manipur’s Noney district, prompting authorities to strengthen security in the area.
Firing Reported in Noney District
Police said the incident took place in Nungba sub-division after gunfire broke out between unidentified armed groups.
Unconfirmed reports suggested the firing began around 10 am and continued for several hours following two days of intermittent attacks in and around Kekru Naga village.
Three Victims Identified
Police identified the deceased as Thanglensang Singson, Thangkhosei Haokip and Lamminsang Kipgen, all residents of villages in Churachandpur district.
Kuki Inpi Manipur said the three men were village volunteers.
Security Forces Deployed
Security forces were deployed in the affected area following the killings to maintain law and order.
Police have not yet publicly identified the attackers or confirmed the exact reason behind the exchange of fire.
Weapons and Explosives Recovered
According to police, security personnel recovered four automatic assault rifles, a single-barrel rifle, a drone, ammunition and improvised explosives from the site.
The recoveries have added to concerns over the presence of heavily armed groups in the conflict-hit region.
Kuki Inpi Manipur Blames Armed Groups
Kuki Inpi Manipur accused the NSCN-IM and ZUF(K) of responsibility for the killings and criticised authorities for what it described as inadequate protection for vulnerable Kuki-Zo communities.
Police, however, have not publicly confirmed these allegations.
Rally Held in Imphal
The incident came as thousands of members of Meitei and Naga organisations held a rally in Imphal demanding that the Suspension of Operations agreement with Kuki-Zo armed groups not be renewed.
Participants also sought rehabilitation of people displaced by the prolonged ethnic conflict and stronger security measures.
Manipur Remains Under Security Watch
The latest killings underline the continuing fragility of the security situation in Manipur, where ethnic violence has claimed hundreds of lives since 2023.
Authorities have increased deployment in sensitive areas as efforts continue to prevent further escalation.
Source: The Indian Express, Hindustan Times
Supreme News Network
