Woman Killed, Houses Torched in Fresh Kuki-Naga Clashes in Manipur’s Kamjong District

The woman, identified as Domkhonei Touthang, a mother of five, was allegedly shot near her neck on Friday night in Chassad village, a Kuki-majority settlement in the Naga-dominated district. According to police, she died within minutes of sustaining the gunshot wounds.

The circumstances surrounding her death remain disputed. The Kuki Human Rights Forum (KHRF) claimed that Touthang was shot while participating in a protest against the alleged arrest and detention of Chassad village volunteers. Kuki organisations have condemned the killing and demanded action against the security personnel allegedly responsible.

According to sources, the confrontation began late Friday evening when security personnel deployed in the area came under fire from suspected Kuki armed groups. The personnel retaliated, triggering an exchange of fire that continued into Saturday morning.

Several people were reportedly injured on both sides. Four houses were also said to have been burnt, while reports indicated that homes belonging to Tangkhul Naga villagers were set ablaze by unidentified miscreants during the intervening night of October 9 and 10. The number of casualties and the extent of injuries had not been officially confirmed at the time of reporting.

Following the violence, the Kamjong district administration imposed restrictions within a 400-metre radius of Chassad Police Gate Junction.

The District Magistrate issued the order under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), prohibiting the assembly of five or more people, the carrying of firearms and other potentially dangerous objects, and movement within the restricted area.

Security personnel, duty magistrates and staff engaged in essential services have been exempted. Individuals holding special permits issued by the District Magistrate or the Superintendent of Police of Kamjong district are also exempt from the restrictions.

Several Kuki organisations, including the KHRF, Kuki Students’ Organisation and Kuki CSO Working Committee, Ukhrul, have condemned Touthang’s killing and called for the strongest action against those responsible.

The latest violence has renewed concerns over the security situation in Manipur, which has experienced prolonged ethnic tensions and recurring incidents of violence.