Manipur: Four Kuki-Zo civilians killed in twin militant attacks

Four members of the Kuki-Zo community were killed in two separate suspected militant attacks in Manipur on Sunday. The incidents occurred during the Kuki community’s observance of ‘Black Day’, a commemoration of victims from the 1990s Kuki-Naga conflict.

The first attack took place at dawn in Tollen village, Tamenglong district, where armed men opened fire on a residence. Lhingngai Singsit was killed on the spot, while her husband, Seineh Singsit, later died from his injuries. Their six-year-old son sustained gunshot wounds during the assault.

The second attack occurred in the afternoon at Longpi village, Noney district, where an ambush targeted individuals transporting rice. Julie Gangte and Thangroel Gangte were killed, and a third woman is reported missing and feared abducted.

Kuki community organizations, including Kuki Inpi JTN, have alleged that the attacks were carried out by members of Naga insurgent groups, specifically naming NSCN-IM and ZUF-K. Manipur Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam condemned the killings, vowing that authorities would identify those responsible and ensure the law takes its course to prevent further disruption of peace in the state.