Manipur violence escalates as clashes leave at least 13 dead, youTuber shot dead and homes torched

Fresh ethnic violence has intensified in India's northeastern state of Manipur, with reports of at least 13 deaths between October 9 and 17,

IMPHAL: Fresh ethnic violence has intensified in India’s northeastern state of Manipur, with reports of at least 13 deaths between October 9 and 17, renewed attacks on villages, and growing tensions between Kuki and Naga communities.

The latest violence has raised fears of further displacement and retaliation in the state’s hill districts, where residents have reported shootings, arson and disruptions to transport. The reported casualties and allegations of responsibility have not been independently verified.

The latest major incident occurred on Saturday, October 17, in Chassad village in Kamjong district, near the India-Myanmar border. According to reports, armed attackers opened fire in the Kuki-majority village, with shooting continuing for several hours and prompting a security response.

Among those killed was Seikhohao Haokip, a 35-year-old local YouTuber and father of three. He was reportedly repairing an electricity line when he was shot. His body was recovered on Sunday morning after security personnel faced difficulties reaching the area during the firing.

Four people were also reported injured, including village chief Thangjahou Haokip, who sustained a head injury and was described as being in critical condition. Security personnel from Assam Rifles, the Border Security Force and Kamjong Police were deployed to the area.

Later on Saturday night, approximately 15 houses belonging to Kuki residents were reportedly set on fire. Families, including women and children, fled their homes and sought shelter in nearby forests and a security camp.

The violence reportedly continued on Sunday morning, when three Tangkhul Naga civilians were injured in a separate incident near Kamjong headquarters. Skipe village, reportedly inhabited by Tangkhul Nagas, was also burned, allegedly by Kuki militants.

Earlier incidents had contributed to the mounting death toll. On October 9, Kuki woman Domkhonei Touthang was reportedly killed during firing in Chassad. Further casualties were reported on October 10 in Chassad, Ningchou, Kangpokpi and Ukhrul.

On October 14, Naga farmer Ajinpou Ringkangmai, 52, from Makui village, was reportedly abducted and killed, with accounts stating that his body was beheaded. The incident intensified tensions between the communities. Another Kuki woman, Hatneikim Haokip, was reportedly killed in an ambush on October 16.

Kuki organisations have accused Naga armed groups, including alleged NSCN-IM-linked elements, of involvement in attacks. Naga organisations, meanwhile, have blamed the Kuki National Army-Burma for cross-border violence. Authorities have not independently established responsibility for the reported incidents.

The unrest has also triggered shutdown calls from Kuki and Naga organisations, disrupting movement along National Highway 202, which connects Imphal and Ukhrul. Several Meitei insurgent groups have separately announced a statewide shutdown over the 1949 merger agreement between Manipur and India.

Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh has condemned attacks on civilians and called for immediate measures to restore peace. Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen has also urged authorities to protect lives and property and bring those responsible to justice.

Reports indicate that additional central security personnel have been approved for deployment, although the reported figures require official confirmation.

Manipur has experienced prolonged ethnic conflict since 2023, when violence between Meitei and Kuki communities left hundreds dead and thousands displaced. The latest Kuki-Naga tensions have raised concerns that the state’s existing security crisis could deepen further.

With homes destroyed, civilians displaced and transport disrupted, restoring security and preventing retaliatory attacks remain urgent challenges for authorities.