Two people, including a 31-year-old woman, were killed in fresh violence in Manipur's Imphal West district on Sunday after "Kuki militants" allegedly attacked Koutruk village using drones, bombs, and sophisticated weapons.
The attack comes amid ongoing ethnic tensions between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities.
The deceased woman, Ngangbam Surbala, a Meitei, succumbed to bullet injuries sustained during the attack. She was taken to the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Imphal, where she was declared dead, according to Manipur Police.
The incident also left three others injured, including Surbala's 8-year-old daughter and two police personnel who were caught in the crossfire.
The violence reportedly began around 2.35 pm, with firing starting from Nakhujang village in Kangpokpi district and targeting the Kadangband and Koutruk areas in Imphal West, which is predominantly Meitei. Kangpokpi district, in contrast, is largely inhabited by the Kuki-Zo community.
The exchange of fire continued until dusk, prompting the deployment of both central and state forces to the scene.
In a late evening statement, the Manipur home department condemned the attack, describing it as an attempt to "create havoc among unarmed villagers" and derail ongoing efforts by the state government to restore peace.
Meanwhile, the Kuki Inpi Manipur, the apex body representing the Kuki tribes, accused Meitei forces of attempting to ambush Kuki-Zo civilians along the 'Kanggui-Lamka' road.
They reported a heavy exchange of fire involving Arambai Tenggol, Valley-Based Insurgent Groups (VBIGs), Meitei state forces, and Kuki-Zo volunteers in the Kangchup region of Sadar Hills.
The violence followed rallies by the Kuki-Zo community in Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, and Tengnoupal districts on Saturday, where they renewed their demand for a "separate administration" following controversial comments allegedly made by Chief Minister N. Biren Singh in leaked audio clips.
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