Fresh violence in Manipur’s Kangpokpi, Noney and Senapati districts has intensified tensions between Tangkhul Naga
May 15, 2026: Fresh violence in Manipur has heightened tensions between the Tangkhul Naga and Kuki communities after four people, including three church leaders, were killed in separate ambushes in Kangpokpi and Noney districts. Authorities said the incidents were followed by allegations of abductions in Senapati and Kangpokpi districts, further deepening mistrust between the communities.
Officials said the latest unrest traces back to a drunken clash between youths in Litan Sareikhong village of Ukhrul district on February 7. Since then, sporadic gunfire, arson and violent confrontations have been reported in Ukhrul, Kamjong and neighbouring districts. Over 50 houses and several government buildings were reportedly set on fire in the Litan area following the clashes.
According to local authorities, a complaint filed at Senapati police station alleged that 23 Kuki villagers, including women and minors, were unlawfully detained while returning home from work under police escort. In another incident, 18 civilians from a Liangmai Naga village were reportedly abducted from a Kuki village after the ambush in Kangpokpi district. Officials later confirmed that the abducted civilians had been released.
Govindas Konthoujam visited victims’ families and said the government was holding discussions with civil society organisations and political leaders to restore peace and ensure the release of those affected. He condemned the continuing violence and expressed concern that certain groups were attempting to prevent peace from returning to the state.
Manipur has witnessed recurring ethnic conflict involving Naga, Kuki and Meitei communities over the years. The ongoing Meitei-Kuki conflict since May 2023 has already claimed more than 260 lives and displaced over 60,000 people, making the latest escalation one of the most serious episodes in recent years.