Four members of the Kuki-Zo community were killed in two separate suspected militant attacks in Manipur on Sunday, September 13, according to Kuki-Zo community organisations. The incidents were reported from Tollen village in Tamenglong district and Longpi village in Noney district, raising fresh concerns over the continuing violence in the northeastern state.

Officials confirmed that the two incidents had taken place but said they were unable to provide detailed information immediately. The state government had also not issued a detailed response to the allegations surrounding the attacks at the time of the report.

The first incident was reported at dawn in Tollen village, where a Kuki-Zo family was allegedly targeted. Community organisations said Seineh Singsit and his wife, Lhingzangai, were attacked at their home. Lhingzangai died at the scene, while her husband was critically injured and later succumbed to his injuries at a hospital.

Their six-year-old son also sustained a gunshot injury in the incident. According to the community organisations, the bullet was still lodged in the child’s body, adding to the severity of the attack on the family.

The second attack took place several hours later in Longpi village in Noney district. According to Kuki-Zo organisations, three people travelling with a consignment of rice were ambushed. Two members of the group, identified as Julie Gangte and Thangroel Gangte, were killed at the spot.

A third woman travelling with them was feared to have been abducted following the attack. Her whereabouts remained unknown at the time of the report, prompting concerns about her safety and calls for authorities to locate her.

Kuki-Zo Groups Allege Involvement of Naga Insurgent Groups

Kuki-Zo organisations alleged that members of Naga insurgent groups were responsible for the attacks. However, these allegations had not been independently established at the time of reporting.

The Kuki Inpi representing the Jiribam, Tamenglong and Noney districts condemned the attack in Tollen and called for immediate action against those responsible. The organisation said the killing of the family was not only an attack on civilians but also a serious challenge to efforts to maintain peace in the region.

The organisation also raised questions over the security arrangements in the area. It pointed out that the attack had allegedly taken place only a few hundred metres from a location where security forces were deployed.

The group said the proximity of the security deployment raised concerns about how armed attackers could carry out such an assault despite the presence of security personnel nearby. It called for a prompt investigation and accountability while maintaining that justice should be delivered without delay.

Second Attack Triggers Further Security Concerns

The Western Village Volunteer organisation, covering areas of Jiribam, Tamenglong and Noney, separately alleged that the Longpi attack involved cadres linked to the National Socialist Council of Nagalim-Isak Muivah (NSCN-IM) and the Zeliangrong United Front faction associated with Kamson.

The organisation condemned the killing of civilians and demanded that the suspected perpetrators be identified and arrested. It also called for swift action by the authorities and warned of further anger among the community if justice was delayed.

The allegations come against the backdrop of continuing tensions between different communities and armed groups in Manipur. The latest incidents have once again highlighted the difficulties faced by security agencies and the state administration in preventing attacks in vulnerable areas.

Peace Efforts Continue Amid Fresh Violence

The latest killings have occurred despite continuing efforts by the Manipur government to reduce tensions and restore normalcy in the state.

Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh has repeatedly appealed to communities to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could further deepen the conflict. In recent months, he has travelled to different districts and held meetings with representatives of Kuki-Zo and Naga communities as part of efforts to promote dialogue and rebuild confidence.

The fresh violence, however, underlines the fragile nature of the peace process. The killing of civilians, particularly in areas where communities remain deeply divided, could increase fears among residents and create additional challenges for the administration.

The incidents also come at a time when the state is dealing with other contentious issues, including protests linked to the updating of the National Register of Citizens. On Sunday, the state government appealed to protesters seeking the closure of government offices over the issue not to take steps that could increase difficulties for the general public.

With investigations into the two attacks expected to establish the circumstances and identify those responsible, attention is now focused on the security response, the search for the missing woman and the condition of the injured child.

The latest deaths have added another layer of concern to Manipur’s prolonged security and humanitarian challenges, while community organisations continue to demand accountability and stronger protection for civilians.