Full Breakdown
Spike in Kuki-Naga Violence in Manipur’s Kamjong District
By Drooid · · How we work
Recent Fatal Ambush in Kamjong
On Thursday evening, four Kuki-Zo civilians on two motorcycles were ambushed on the unpaved road between Molnoi and Phaikoh in Kamjong district, near the Indo-Myanmar border. The victims were Hatneikim Haokip (killed at the scene), her husband Jangkhongam Haokip (injured), and the couple D Paokhothang Haokip and Boishi Haokip (missing). Police said suspected militants opened fire around 4 pm–5 pm; Assam Rifles personnel rescued the injured and took them to a field hospital.
Earlier Attack on Chassad Village
The same week, gunmen fired on villagers repairing power lines in Chassad, a Kuki-Zo village in the Naga-majority part of Kamjong. Seikhohao Haokip, a village-authority member, died; village chief Thangjahou Haokip, secretary Thanggin Thouthang and two others were injured and taken to an Assam Rifles hospital. Police reported an exchange of fire between suspected Kuki and Naga armed groups.
Background & Context
Kuki-Naga clashes in Manipur’s hill districts intensified in February 2026, part of an ethnic conflict that began on May 3 2023. Since the resurgence, at least 22 Naga and 32 Kuki-Zo people have been killed, including ten Kuki-Zo women (two pregnant). Earlier incidents include the October 10 attack on Makui Ashang village and the September 25 killing of four Naga villagers in Pilong.
Timeline
- May 3 2023 – Ethnic conflict begins.
- May 7 2026 – Attack on three Tangkhul Naga villages.
- September 25 2026 – Four Naga villagers killed in Pilong.
- October 10 2026 – Kuki-linked militants attack Makui Ashang; Ajinbou Ringkamai’s head severed.
- Recent Saturday – Gunfire on Chassad; one Kuki-Zo killed, four injured.
- Recent Thursday – Ambush on four Kuki-Zo civilians; one woman killed, husband injured, two missing.
Data & Statistics
- Casualties since February 2026: >= 22 Naga, >= 32 Kuki-Zo killed.
- Kuki-Zo women killed: 10, including two pregnant.
- Missing civilians: D Paokhothang Haokip and Boishi Haokip.
Official Statements & Responses
- Police: Deployed Assam Rifles, Border Security Force and Kamjong police to contain the situation.
- Kuki-Zo Council (KZC): Condemned the Thursday ambush, demanded an impartial investigation and arrests.
- Joint Tribes Council (JTC): Issued a 48-hour ultimatum for the return of Ringkamai’s head; after recovery, urged the arrest of three named suspects.
Criticism & Opposition
The KZC accused NSCN-IM of the Thursday ambush, labeling it “targeting unarmed civilians.” The allegation remains unverified.
On-the-Ground Reports
Local villagers and Assam Rifles rescued the injured from the Chassad incident and are searching for the missing couple from the Thursday ambush. Residents described the area as “jungle-covered” and noted the routes are used for essential commodity purchases.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Perpetrator identification: Some sources cite “suspected militants” without ethnic attribution; others label them as Tangkhul Naga or NSCN-IM cadres.
- Casualty totals: KZC cites 30 Kuki-Zo civilian deaths, while other reports give aggregate figures of 22 Naga and 32 Kuki-Zo deaths.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The Kuki side also retaliated and casualties are reported on the Naga side too,” — the office
What’s Next
Security forces remain deployed in Kamjong, Kangpokpi and neighboring districts. Authorities have pledged continued searches for the missing couple and a “swift investigation” of the ambush. The Joint Tribes Council says agitation will continue until its named suspects are apprehended.