15 houses burned in Manipur’s Kamjong, Kuki civilians take refuge in forests; 4 injured in attacks

October 18, 2026

Imphal: Suspected militants allegedly set fire to at least 15 houses belonging to the Kuki tribal community in Chasad village of Manipur’s Kamjong district. The incident forced many civilians to flee their homes and seek shelter in nearby forests and a security forces camp, officials and local sources said on Sunday.

The incident occurred late Saturday night. Earlier in the day, a firing incident had occurred in the village, in which a Kuki civilian, Seikhoao Haokip, was killed and four others were injured.

Deputy Chief Minister Condemns Violence

Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen condemned the violence, expressing grief over Haokip’s death and expressing concern for the injured village leaders and displaced families.

Describing the burning of houses as an intolerable crime, he said he has directed the district administration, state police, and security forces to remain vigilant 24/7, ensure the safety of citizens and their property, and bring those responsible for the violence to justice.

According to a police officer, a joint contingent of the Assam Rifles, Border Security Force (BSF), and Kamjong police has been deployed to control the situation in the affected area.

People injured in separate attacks in Kamjong

In another incident in the Kamjong district headquarters on Saturday night, three civilians from the Tangkhul Naga community were injured by gunfire. It was reported that rival armed groups may have been involved in the attack.

The injured were identified as T. Chithung, S. Malung, and M. Shithung. All three were admitted to Kamjong Hospital, where their condition was stated to be stable.

Chasad village and Kamjong district headquarters are both located near the India-Myanmar border. This sensitive area has been facing security concerns due to tensions between armed groups.

According to locals, villagers fled their homes amid growing fears for their safety. The Chasad police station reportedly received information about the incident on Sunday. At the time of writing, the scene could not be inspected due to a shortage of police personnel.

The total damage caused by the arson, the circumstances behind the attacks, and the identities of those involved have not been independently confirmed.

Kuki-Zo Council questions the government

The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), the apex organization of the Kuki-Zo tribal community, said in a statement that the security situation in Kamjong district, especially in Chasad village, has deteriorated alarmingly.

According to the organization, four Kuki-Zo civilians have been killed in just over a week. The KZC alleged that this situation highlights the government’s failure to ensure the safety of innocent people.

The KZC questioned why National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak Muivah (NSCN-IM) cadres are reportedly being allowed to operate freely in Kamjong, Ukhrul, and Chandel districts, even though, according to the organization, the ceasefire arrangement is supposed to be limited to Nagaland.

The organization demanded the Indian government clarify the situation and take immediate action to prevent further attacks. The KZC also claimed that the alleged economic blockade is causing Kuki-Ji civilians in Kamjong to struggle to purchase essential commodities.

Demand for increased supply and security of essential goods

The KZC demanded the immediate deployment of central security forces between the police station and Chasad village to ensure uninterrupted supply of essential goods to civilians and to ensure the safety of the people.

The organization appealed to the Indian and Manipur governments to protect civilians, take action against those responsible for the violence, provide ex-gratia relief to the families of the deceased, and provide compensation to those who lost their homes in the arson.

In its statement, the KZC said that the Kuki community is a citizen of India and is entitled to equal protection under the Constitution. The organization demanded that the government take immediate steps to prevent further loss of life and ensure the safety and dignity of the community.