Chassad Village Comes Under Attack Days After Phungyar MLA Leishiyo Visits Kamjong; One Killed, Four Injured

At least four civilians, including two village chiefs, were reportedly injured, and one person was killed after armed Tangkhul militants opened fire in Chassad village in Manipur’s Kamjong district on Saturday afternoon.

According to preliminary information, the firing occurred at around 2:30 p.m., leaving several people with bullet injuries.

The incident has raised concerns over civilian safety and the possibility of further violence in the region. Notably, the attack comes days after Phungyar MLA Leishiyo Keishing visited Kamjong district headquarters on Thursday. On that day, the MLA passed through Chassad village under heavy security escort despite opposition from villagers.

The injured were identified as Thangjahao Haokip, chief of Chassad village; Seipao Haokip, chief of Phungtha (Kachouphung-Kuki) village; St. Khailun Haokip; Seikhohao Haokip; and Thanggin Haokip. St. Khailun Haokip, Seikhohao Haokip, and Thanggin Haokip were identified as members of the Chassad Village Authority. Seikhohao Haokip later succumbed to his injuries late Saturday evening.

The injured were taken to a nearby Army camp in Chassad for treatment. It was alleged that the attackers used the Chassad Police Station to carry out attacks on Kuki civilians.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) strongly condemned the incident, describing it as an attack on innocent civilians. The organisation alleged that the incident reflected a broader attempt to force the Kuki-Zo community out of parts of Ukhrul district.

CoTU attributed the attack to armed Tangkhul-led militants and called on elected representatives from Ukhrul, Kamjong, Noney, and Tamei to intervene to prevent further escalation. The organisation also questioned the silence of legislators who, it said, had previously advocated accountability and higher moral standards in public forums.

The committee further alleged that the incident could damage long-standing relations between communities. It urged the authorities to deploy central security forces to vulnerable minority villages, particularly Chassad, to prevent further violence and possible retaliation.

CoTU appealed to the government and security agencies to take immediate steps to safeguard civilians and restore security in the affected area.