Fresh Gunfire in Manipur's Ukhrul Raises Questions Over Tangkhul Bodies’ Silence, Alleged Inaction by Centre and State

Fresh firing late Friday night in Manipur’s Ukhrul district has raised serious alarm over a renewed cycle of provocation and deepening insecurity in the hill region, with allegations that suspected Tangkhul militants opened automatic gunfire towards Kuki-inhabited areas.

According to the Kuki CSO Working Committee, the incident occurred at around 10:10 pm in the Litan–Sareikhong belt, where nearly 15 rounds of automatic fire were allegedly discharged from the direction of New Heaven towards Chepu Yaolen.

Despite the provocation, the committee said the Kuki side exercised restraint and did not retaliate, preventing what could have spiralled into a full-scale exchange of fire.

Terming the incident part of a disturbing and recurring pattern, the committee said Kuki settlements in Ukhrul and adjoining Kamjong district have repeatedly come under similar intimidation. It cited areas including Mongkot Chepu, Shangkai, Thawai Kuki, Chassad, and nearby villages such as Leplen and Tingpibung as having witnessed such attempts in the past, though without achieving their intended effect.

The continued firing, it said, appears aimed at instilling fear among civilians and destabilising the already fragile peace in the region.

In a strongly worded statement, the committee questioned the silence of Tangkhul apex bodies and flagged what it described as the inaction of both the Manipur government and the Centre, asking how long “lawless elements” would be allowed to operate unchecked.

It further cautioned that continued inaction could be seen as tacit approval of targeted aggression against Kuki communities.

While reiterating that restraint has been maintained in the larger interest of peace, the committee warned that repeated provocations risk eroding regional stability and could trigger escalation if not addressed urgently.

Calling for immediate intervention, it said patience within the community is “rapidly diminishing” and urged authorities to acknowledge lapses and take decisive steps to break the cycle of violence.

“Kuki lives must matter—and they must be protected with urgency, justice, and unwavering accountability,” the statement said.

The latest incident comes against the backdrop of continuing ethnic tensions in Manipur’s hill districts, where sporadic violence and deep mistrust continue to hinder efforts towards lasting peace.