Ukhrul, May 4, 2026: Intense firing broke out between Tangkhul Naga and Kuki groups in Manipur’s Ukhrul district in the early hours of Monday, continuing for several hours and leaving multiple people injured, sources said.
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| A house goes up in flames in Ukhrul district amid reported clashes between Tangkhul Naga and Kuki groups, as tensions escalate in the area. (Screenshot from a viral video) |
According to preliminary information, at least seven individuals sustained injuries. There were also reports of a house being torched during the violence, further escalating tensions in the area.
Sources said the exchange of fire began early in the morning and persisted for hours, creating panic among residents. The exact circumstances leading to the clash are yet to be officially confirmed, and authorities have not issued a detailed statement at the time of filing this report.
The incident comes amid heightened tensions in parts of Ukhrul district, following fresh allegations and counter-allegations by Kuki and Naga civil bodies over recent violence in the region.
The Kuki CSO Working Committee, Ukhrul, had alleged that cadres of NSCN (EF) carried out a pre-dawn attack around 3:00 AM in the Tongou area of the Kampa range, targeting Kuki villages and injuring a village volunteer. The group raised concerns over the effectiveness of security operations despite ongoing ceasefire efforts and called for immediate action to prevent further incidents.
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Meanwhile, the Ringui Village Protection Committee (RVPC) strongly refuted the claims, accusing Kuki armed groups of repeated attacks on Naga Village Guards in Ringui and nearby areas. The committee reported fresh gunfire at Horei Hills and Hamsan, which allegedly left several guards injured during routine monitoring duties.
Both sides have presented sharply conflicting accounts, underscoring the fragile and volatile security situation in Manipur’s hill districts. Officials are yet to release an official statement on the latest clashes.
